elastic

¹elas·tic

adjective \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

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

²elastic

noun

Definition of ELASTIC

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

Examples of ELASTIC

1. She wrapped an elastic around the cards.

First Known Use of ELASTIC

1847