elastic

1 of 2

adjective

elas·​tic i-ˈla-stik 

1

a

of a solid : capable of recovering size and shape after deformation

b

: relating to or being a collision between particles in which the total kinetic energy of the particles remains unchanged

2

: capable of recovering quickly especially from depression or disappointment

my elastic spirits revived

—Wilkie Collins

3

: capable of being easily stretched or expanded and resuming former shape : flexible

an elastic bandage

4

a

: capable of ready change or easy expansion or contraction : not rigid or constricted

an elastic concept

b

: receptive to new ideas : adaptable

an elastic mind

elastically

i-ˈla-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

elastic

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: easily stretched rubber usually prepared in cords, strings, or bands

b

: rubber band

2

a

: an elastic fabric usually made of yarns containing rubber

b

: something made from this fabric

Synonyms

Adjective

• bouncy
• flexible
• resilient
• rubberlike
• rubbery
• springy
• stretch
• stretchable
• stretchy
• supple
• whippy

Choose the Right Synonym for elastic

elastic, resilient, springy, flexible, supple mean able to endure strain without being permanently injured.

elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching.

an elastic waistband

resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed.

a resilient innersole

springy stresses both the ease with which something yields to pressure and the quickness of its return to original shape.

the cake is done when the top is springy

flexible applies to something which may or may not be resilient or elastic but which can be bent or folded without breaking.

flexible plastic tubing

supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury.

supple leather

Examples of elastic in a Sentence

Adjective

when vacationing, we generally have very elastic daily sightseeing plans

Noun

She wrapped an elastic around the cards.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The two-piece set has a casual V-neck top and wide-leg pants, showcasing a forgiving elastic waistband that's perfectly stretchy for kicking back in a plane seat or cabin lounge. —Jean Chen Smith, Travel + Leisure, 6 Dec. 2024

The pocketed button-up and pants with an elastic waist are available in regular, petite, and tall lengths, sizes XS-XXXL, and 10 colors. —Toni Sutton, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024

Noun

There are dressy details like a hook and tab with zipper fly closure, and comfy details like the hidden elastic at the back waist that keeps the fit non-restrictive. —Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2024

The waistband is also adjustable, with internal elastic and a drawstring, and the water-resistant fabric has four-way stretch that moves with you. —Sara Coughlin, SELF, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

New Latin elasticus, from Late Greek elastos ductile, beaten, from Greek elaunein to drive, beat out; probably akin to Greek ēlythe he went, Old Irish luid

First Known Use

Adjective

1674, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing elastic

• elastic band
• elastic fiber
• elastic limit
• elastic modulus
• elastic scattering

Kids Definition

elastic

1 of 2 adjective

elas·​tic i-ˈlas-tik 

1

a

: capable of returning to original shape or size after being stretched, pressed, or squeezed together

sponges are elastic

b

: capable of indefinite expansion

gases are elastic substances

2

: able to recover quickly especially from sadness or disappointment

youthful, elastic spirit

3

: capable of being changed : flexible

an elastic plan

elasticity

i-ˌlas-ˈtis-ət-ē

ˌē-ˌlas-

noun

elastic

2 of 2 noun

1

: rubber band

2

a

: an elastic fabric usually made of yarns containing rubber

b

: something made from elastic fabric

Medical Definition

elastic

1 of 2 adjective

elas·​tic i-ˈlas-tik 

1

a

of a solid : capable of recovering size and shape after deformation

b

of a liquid : capable of resisting compression

c

of a gas : capable of indefinite expansion

2

: capable of being easily stretched or expanded and resuming former shape

elastically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

elastic

2 of 2 noun

1

a

: easily stretched rubber usually prepared in cords, strings, or bands

b

: a band of elastic used especially in orthodontics

also : one placed around a tooth at the gumline in effecting its nonsurgical removal

2

a

: an elastic fabric usually made of yarns containing rubber

b

: something made from this fabric