elasticity

[ ih-la-stis-i-tee, ee-la-stis- ]

noun

1. the state or quality of being elastic.
2. flexibility; resilience; adaptability:

   a statement with a great elasticity of meaning.

3. ability to resist or overcome depression; buoyancy.
4. Physics. the property of a substance that enables it to change its length, volume, or shape in direct response to a force effecting such a change and to recover its original form upon the removal of the force.

elasticity

/ ĭ-lă-stĭs′ĭ-tē /

1. The ability of a solid to return to its original shape or form after being subject to strain. Most solid materials display elasticity, up to a load point called the elastic limit ; loads higher than this limit cause permanent deformation of the material.
2. See also Hooke's law

elasticity

¹

1. The property of a material that allows it to return to its original shape after having been deformed and to exert a force while deformed. ( See stress .)

elasticity

²

1. A shift in either demand or supply of a good or service depending on its price. Demand is said to be elastic when it responds quickly to changes in prices, and inelastic when it responds sluggishly.

Other Words From

• none·las·tici·ty noun
• une·las·tici·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of elasticity¹

First recorded in 1655–65; elastic + -ity

Example Sentences

He married her and gave her his last name, but this marital lifeline doesn’t have enough elasticity to withstand Maria Sr.’s past.

From Los Angeles Times

Nevada’s elasticity in presidential politics is partly due to the large share of voters — 34% — who don’t identify with either major party.

From Los Angeles Times

While the practice is rooted in more than 2,000 years of traditional Chinese medicine, there have been limited scientific studies investigating its benefits on facial skin elasticity.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2010, a study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that the DNA in salmon sperm increased skin elasticity, collagen levels and production of hyaluronic acid compared to controls.

From Salon

Less admirable is Vance’s elasticity and seeming total lack of any deep-seated, immovable principles.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adaptability
• flexibility
• resilience