elastic
capable of returning to its original length, shape, etc., after being stretched, deformed, compressed, or expanded: an elastic waistband; elastic fiber.
spontaneously expansive, as gases.
flexible; accommodating; adaptable; tolerant: elastic rules and regulations.
springing back or rebounding; springy: He walks with an elastic step.
readily recovering from depression or exhaustion; buoyant: an elastic temperament.
Economics. relatively responsive to change, as to a proportionate increase in demand as the result of a decrease in price.: Compare inelastic (def. 2).
Physics. of, relating to, or noting a body having the property of elasticity.
webbing, or material in the form of a band, made elastic, as with strips of rubber.
something made from this material, as a garter.
Origin of elastic
1Other words for elastic
Opposites for elastic
Other words from elastic
- e·las·ti·cal·ly, adverb
- non·e·las·tic, adjective
- non·e·las·ti·cal·ly, adverb
- sem·i·e·las·tic, adjective
- sem·i·e·las·ti·cal·ly, adverb
- su·per·e·las·tic, adjective
- su·per·e·las·ti·cal·ly, adverb
- un·e·las·tic, adjective
- un·e·las·ti·cal·ly, adverb
Words Nearby elastic
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use elastic in a sentence
Among the rise of green hills dotted with cows, at the farm and creamery of Louis Bononci, James had his first taste of Teleme, a washed-rind cheese with a subtly elastic texture and milky tang.
To Find Hope in American Cooking, James Beard Looked to the West Coast | John Birdsall | October 2, 2020 | EaterThe tools and threads are all held in place with elastic straps, so the supplies stay organized even if bounced around in a bag.
Sewing kits perfect for home, travel, and gift-giving | PopSci Commerce Team | October 1, 2020 | Popular-ScienceThe remolded electronic structure won’t stay in place of its own accord, just as a piece of elastic won’t stay stretched if you don’t keep pulling.
It’s comfortable and it’s got a nice elastic spring that adheres nicely to movement.
You can now return Apple’s Solo Loop for a new size, without sending back the Watch | Brian Heater | September 24, 2020 | TechCrunchThe lid has an elastic opening that allows for quick access while hiding the garbage inside.
Car trash cans to keep your auto spotless | PopSci Commerce Team | September 23, 2020 | Popular-Science
The second was that the demand for seduction schooling was elastic.
The Secret World of Pickup Artist Julien Blanc | Brandy Zadrozny | December 1, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTHe was wearing a black sweatshirt and light grey sweatpants with an elastic waist.
Gripping His Koran, Anas al-Liby Has His Day in Court | Michael Daly | October 16, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTJenny Packham polka-dotted frock with a high-waisted elastic waistband and wedge heels.
But I think powerful, long friendships often are elastic enough to incorporate envy into them, and not destroy the friendship.
Endless Summer: Meg Wolitzer Talks About “The Interestings” | Jane Ciabattari | April 16, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTelastic bracelets—with brads to place just so in an acupressure spot on the inner wrist purported to reduce nausea—are popular.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum: What’s Ailing Kate Middleton | Kent Sepkowitz | December 4, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTAccordingly, the question "How far does the note issue under the new system seem likely to prove an elastic one?"
Readings in Money and Banking | Chester Arthur PhillipsThe sputum of more advanced cases resembles that of chronic bronchitis, with the addition of tubercle bacilli and elastic fibers.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis | James Campbell ToddIndustrial society is therefore mobile, elastic, standing at any moment in a temporary and unstable equilibrium.
The Unsolved Riddle of Social Justice | Stephen LeacockThe non-elastic character of water made it unsuitable for a machine requiring a fly-wheel.
Life of Richard Trevithick, Volume II (of 2) | Francis TrevithickI met him on Kingstown promenade the other day walking with an elastic step and with the brightness of youth in his eye.
Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland | Joseph Tatlow
British Dictionary definitions for elastic
/ (ɪˈlæstɪk) /
(of a body or material) capable of returning to its original shape after compression, expansion, stretching, or other deformation
capable of adapting to change: an elastic schedule
quick to recover from fatigue, dejection, etc; buoyant
springy or resilient: an elastic walk
(of gases) capable of expanding spontaneously
physics (of collisions) involving no overall change in translational kinetic energy
made of elastic
tape, cord, or fabric containing interwoven strands of flexible rubber or similar substance allowing it to stretch and return to its original shape
mainly US and Canadian something made of elastic, such as a rubber band or a garter
Origin of elastic
1Derived forms of elastic
- elastically, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Browse