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

The wings were born, attached to a wide elastic waistband Equihua had from a former project.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Others included shamelessness, stubbornness and an elastic approach to bookkeeping.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

So we sink into the couch, plates on laps, clothed in pants with elastic waistbands.

Read more on Salon

The design also weaves Loewe’s pebble texture and On’s signature semitranslucent mesh, bound together with drawstring elastic laces for an athletic shoe with luxury flair.

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In contrast, an odd elastic material does not stretch -- it twists instead.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

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