elastic

¹elas·tic

adj \i-ˈlas-tik\

Definition of ELASTIC

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>

— elas·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples of ELASTIC

1. <when vacationing, we generally have very elastic daily sightseeing plans>

Origin of ELASTIC

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: 1674

Related to ELASTIC

Synonyms: bouncy, flexible, resilient, rubberlike, rubbery, springy, stretch, stretchable, stretchy, supple, whippy

Antonyms: inelastic, inflexible, nonelastic, rigid, stiff

Related Words: adaptable, ductile, kneadable, malleable, moldable, plastic, pliable, pliant; limber, lissome (also lissom), lithe, lithesome, willowy

Near Antonyms: compact, firm, hard, solid, unyielding; brittle, crisp, crumbly, flaky (also flakey), friable, short

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Synonym Discussion of 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>.

Other Physics Terms

amplitude, centrifugal, centripetal, convection, gradient, hysteresis, kinetic, lase, quantum

Rhymes with ELASTIC

bombastic, dynastic, fantastic, gymnastic, monastic, sarcastic, scholastic, stochastic