elastic

Main Entry:: ¹elas·tic
Pronunciation:: \i-ˈlas-tik\
Function:: adjective
Etymology:: 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
Date:: 1674

1 aof 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 unchanged2: 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

synonyms 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>.

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