elastic

[ih-las-tik]

adjective

1. capable of returning to its original length, shape, etc., after being stretched, deformed, compressed, or expanded.

   an elastic waistband; elastic fiber.

2. spontaneously expansive, as gases.

3. flexible; accommodating; adaptable; tolerant.

   elastic rules and regulations.

   Synonyms: pliant, resilient
   Antonyms: unyielding, intolerant, inflexible, rigid

4. springing back or rebounding; springy.

   He walks with an elastic step.

5. readily recovering from depression or exhaustion; buoyant.

   an elastic temperament.

6. Economics.,  relatively responsive to change, as to a proportionate increase in demand as the result of a decrease in price.

7. Physics.,  of, relating to, or noting a body having the property of elasticity.

noun

1. webbing, or material in the form of a band, made elastic, as with strips of rubber.

2. something made from this material, as a garter.

3. rubber band.

elastic

/ ɪˈlæstɪk /

adjective

1. (of a body or material) capable of returning to its original shape after compression, expansion, stretching, or other deformation

2. capable of adapting to change

   an elastic schedule

3. quick to recover from fatigue, dejection, etc; buoyant

4. springy or resilient

   an elastic walk

5. (of gases) capable of expanding spontaneously

6. physics (of collisions) involving no overall change in translational kinetic energy

7. made of elastic

noun

1. tape, cord, or fabric containing interwoven strands of flexible rubber or similar substance allowing it to stretch and return to its original shape

2. something made of elastic, such as a rubber band or a garter

Other Word Forms

• elastically adverb
• nonelastic adjective
• nonelastically adverb
• semielastic adjective
• semielastically adverb
• superelastic adjective
• superelastically adverb
• unelastic adjective
• unelastically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of elastic¹

1645–55; < New Latin elasticus expanding spontaneously, equivalent to Greek elast ( ós ) (late variant of elatós ductile, beaten (of metal), derivative of elaúnein, elân beat out, forge) + -icus -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of elastic¹

C17: from New Latin elasticus impulsive, from Greek elastikos, from elaunein to beat, drive

Example Sentences

Muncy, who entered the Dodger clubhouse Thursday afternoon wearing a blue elastic support bandage on his left leg, said he originally feared the worst, but an MRI found no structual damage.

From Los Angeles Times

Farming him out to another team is an option, but that's always complicated because teams are not always that keen to have a driver who is on a piece of elastic to a rival.

From BBC

My unfortunate niche is innocent Americans who were mistreated, maimed, or killed in the name of elastic, expansive, nebulous, and incendiary words like “terrorists,” “insider threats,” “enemies within,” “illegals,” and “traitors.”

From Salon

Practically overnight, I had to adjust to how my new glasses slid down my nose and the way the elastics tethered to my braces snapped like rubber bands in a junk drawer.

From Salon

That may result in ankle swelling, especially as we age, because veins become less elastic.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• flexible 
• malleable 
• pliable 
• resilient 
• springy 
• supple