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

elastics plural

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

Derived Forms

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

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• elastics
  plural

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

"The ballista spider's snare is bioengineered to store elastic energy in the silk and rapidly release it, giving it incredible instantaneous power density -- greater than any other specialized silk-based biological catapults," said Professor Narendra.

From Science Daily • Jun. 26, 2026

The 24-year-old office worker found solace in "lompat karet" -- a game from infancy that involves jumping over a long rope made from braided elastic bands.

From Barron's • Jun. 15, 2026

For a revolutionary new technology like AI with so many potential applications, it is possible that the price elasticity of demand will be highly elastic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

Some of his most popular designs are the backless halter tops with an elastic chest and waist area trimmed with a silky lace, as well as scrunched crop-top jerseys.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

We keep doing that, it must be for almost an hour, until finally the elastic breaks.

From "Freak The Mighty" by Rodman Philbrick

Related Words

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