elastic

American  

[ih-las-tik] / ɪˈlæs tɪk /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

Etymology

Origin of elastic

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

Explanation

Elastic is the rubber-based material that resumes its original shape after stretching or compression, and anything described as elastic is flexible. In 1923 American inventor William H Spencer took elastic one step further, creating the elastic band — the Internet of its day for bored office workers seeking amusement. The properties of elastic have long lent themselves to metaphorical use, so that anything or anyone that's capable of adaptation or is flexible in its nature can be termed elastic.

Example Sentences

Elastic cartilage is soft and flexible and forms structures such as the outer ear.

From Science Daily • Jan. 20, 2026

He played with local groups The Elastic Band, and Magdalene, but it was The Beautiful Losers which shone the spotlight on Rea, and he secured a solo recording deal with Magnet Records.

From BBC • Dec. 22, 2025

Even Elastic bulls found the “beat-and-raise” quarter a bit of a mixed bag.

From Barron's • Nov. 21, 2025

Elastic reports adjusted earnings of 64 cents a share, exceeding estimates of 58 cents, with revenue of $423.5 million, up 16%.

From Barron's • Nov. 21, 2025

Plain Stitch Elastic Crochet.—Work backward and forwards, first taking one mesh of the chain, and then the other.

From The Ladies' Work-Table Book Containing Clear and Practical Instructions in Plain and Fancy Needlework, Embroidery, Knitting, Netting and Crochet by Anonymous

Related Words

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