elas·tic | \ i-ˈla-stik 
\
\Definition of elastic
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a 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
4a : 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
elastic
nounDefinition of elastic (Entry 2 of 2)
1a : easily stretched rubber usually prepared in cords, strings, or bands
b : rubber band
2a : an elastic fabric usually made of yarns containing rubber
b : something made from this fabric
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Other Words from elastic
Adjective
elastically \ i-ˈla-sti-k(ə-)lē \ adverb
\ adverbSynonyms & Antonyms for elastic
Synonyms: Adjective
- bouncy,
- flexible,
- resilient,
- rubberlike,
- rubbery,
- springy,
- stretch,
- stretchable,
- stretchy,
- supple,
- whippy
Antonyms: Adjective
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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 shape is generally the same—a pair of pants with a drawstring and elastic cuffs on the ankles, lending a roomy balloon-like shape.
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Sarah Spellings, Vogue, "All The Ways We Styled Sweats This Year," 23 Dec. 2020 This latex-free disposable mask also has a moldable metal nose clip as well as flexible elastic ear loops for a comfortable fit.
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Lauren Levy, NBC News, "How to buy the best disposable face mask, according to experts," 5 Jan. 2021 These use a two-ply polyester cloth and have elastic loops for the ears.
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Austin Irwin, Car and Driver, "Racing- and Car-Themed Face Masks for Any Occasion," 8 Dec. 2020 Eberjey’s version features a button-down top with notch collar and piping, a generous pant with elastic waist, both fashioned from soft jersey.
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Washington Post, "This is our pajama moment," 7 Dec. 2020 Slowly though, this drawer filled up with an especially gaudy collection of flotsam: sparkly dresses, capes, plastic beads, fake flowers, hideous wigs, and netting underskirts with sagging elastic at the waistline.
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Rosalind Jana, refinery29.com, "Celebrate Dressing Up For The Holidays — Even With Nowhere To Go," 21 Dec. 2020 He was last seen wearing a dark T-shirt and black sweat pants with elastic ankle bands.
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Marc Ramirez, Dallas News, "85-year-old man with Alzheimer’s missing in Garland found safe," 13 Nov. 2020 The clever attachment offers an alternate way to wear a mask that doesn’t involve looping elastic around your ears.
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Braelyn Wood, Health.com, "The 6 Best Face Mask Extenders to Make Your Face Covering More Comfortable," 11 Sep. 2020 After about three hours, my ears and head started to ache a bit from the pressure of the elastic.
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Jennifer Jolly, USA TODAY, "Vacation ready? Here’s what to bring – and do – to stay safe," 11 July 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Carefully take down your hair and if possible, skip the elastic all together.
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Tomoko Takeda Canel, Seventeen, "10 Genius Hacks For Making Your Hair Grow Faster," 15 Oct. 2020 And don’t expect the wider base to squeeze inside backpack water bottle pockets that don’t have any elastic.
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Adrienne Donica, Popular Mechanics, "We Tested a Bunch of Hydro Flasks. These Are the Ones Worth Buying.," 17 Nov. 2020 Throwing your hair up in a tight elastic is already causing stress to your strands.
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Tomoko Takeda Canel, Seventeen, "10 Genius Hacks For Making Your Hair Grow Faster," 15 Oct. 2020 Some face masks use loose cloth ties instead of stretchy loops, and these ties can be a good solve if the elastic is bothersome.
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Madison O'connor, USA TODAY, "Foggy glasses? Mask acne? How to solve 5 pandemic annoyances – without taking off the mask," 19 Aug. 2020 Some face masks use loose cloth ties instead of stretchy loops, and these ties can be a good solve if the elastic is bothersome.
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Madison O'connor, USA TODAY, "Foggy glasses? Mask acne? How to solve 5 pandemic annoyances – without taking off the mask," 19 Aug. 2020 Some face masks use loose cloth ties instead of stretchy loops, and these ties can be a good solve if the elastic is bothersome.
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Madison O'connor, USA TODAY, "Foggy glasses? Mask acne? How to solve 5 pandemic annoyances – without taking off the mask," 19 Aug. 2020 Available on retailers like Amazon and Etsy, the innovative picks come in a wide variety of designs including flexible plastic, adjustable elastic, and even kid-friendly shapes.
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Braelyn Wood, Health.com, "The 6 Best Face Mask Extenders to Make Your Face Covering More Comfortable," 11 Sep. 2020 Some face masks use loose cloth ties instead of stretchy loops, and these ties can be a good solve if the elastic is bothersome.
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Madison O'connor, USA TODAY, "Foggy glasses? Mask acne? How to solve 5 pandemic annoyances – without taking off the mask," 19 Aug. 2020
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'elastic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for elastic
elastic
adjectiveEnglish Language Learners Definition of elastic
(Entry 1 of 2)
: able to return to an original shape or size after being stretched, squeezed, etc.
: able to be changed
elastic
nounEnglish Language Learners Definition of elastic (Entry 2 of 2)
: material that can be stretched : elastic fabric
See the full definition for elastic in the English Language Learners Dictionary
elastic
adjectiveelas·tic | \ i-ˈla-stik \
\Kids Definition of elastic
(Entry 1 of 2)
: capable of returning to original shape or size after being stretched, pressed, or squeezed together
elastic
nounKids Definition of elastic (Entry 2 of 2)
1 : rubber band
2 : material that can be stretched
elastic
adjectiveelas·tic | \ i-ˈlas-tik \
\Medical Definition of elastic
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a 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
Other Words from elastic
elastically \ -ti-k(ə-)lē \ adverb
\ adverbelastic
nounMedical Definition of elastic (Entry 2 of 2)
1a : 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
2a : an elastic fabric usually made of yarns containing rubber
b : something made from this fabric
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Time Traveler for elastic
The first known use of elastic was in 1674
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