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. Compare inelastic ( def 2 ).
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

Derived Forms

• eˈlastically, adverb

Other Words From

• 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

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

There’s a lower-height “no show” version, and a higher crew, but the quarter is ideal — it sits just above the ankle and the fabric at the top is elastic, so it won’t slip down.

From Los Angeles Times

While learning to play bass in the Warlocks, Lesh developed an elastic, melodic style that became as much a Dead signature as Garcia’s winding guitar leads.

From Los Angeles Times

Our tendons become drier, thinner and less elastic; muscles, in general, become smaller.

From Los Angeles Times

And there were many, many days when, as the magic hour of 8 a.m. neared, I truly believed that if I had to confront one more series of snarls, scrounge up one more hair elastic or hear one more complaint about me brushing too hard or “that doesn’t look right,” I would lose the trembling remnants of my mind.

From Los Angeles Times

Even if you don’t rotate that many bras, she suggests at least not wearing the same bra two days in a row in order to give the elastic band time to relax and reshape.

From Slate

Related Words

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