elastic

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adjective elas·tic \i-ˈla-stik\

Definition of elastic

1a of a solid : capable of recovering size and shape after deformationb : 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 conceptb : receptive to new ideas : adaptable an elastic mind

elastically

play \i-ˈla-sti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See elastic defined for English-language learners

See elastic defined for kids

Examples of elastic in a Sentence

when vacationing, we generally have very elastic daily sightseeing plans

Recent Examples of elastic from the Web

Loose braids, ponytails and topknots may mean throwing a couple of elastic hair ties and bobby pins in your fanny pack.

— kirby adams, The Courier-Journal, "How to look festival-ready for Forecastle no matter the weather", 28 June 2017
The elastic on all of them were totally stretched out.

— stephanie chan, The Hollywood Reporter, "The 'GLOW' Costume Designer on How the Cast's Awkward Family Photos Inspired the Show's Electric '80s Look", 23 June 2017
Coupling Fultz with Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Robert Covington, and Dario Saric would give Philadelphia the most exciting, elastic young core in the league—provided of course,

— nathaniel friedman, GQ, "Sam Hinkie Saw the Future", 19 June 2017
Basically, to borrow a term from freshman-year economics, European travel is the most price elastic category for Americans.

— matt meltzer, CNT, "More Cheap Transatlantic Flights Are on the Way", 19 June 2017
When court was in session, Cosby’s face — so familiar to American television viewers for its elastic expressiveness — was usually set in a steely frown.

— manuel roig-franzia, Washington Post, "Mistrial declared in Bill Cosby sex-assault trial", 17 June 2017
So why not channel our girl and go into battle (HIIT class, same thing) sans elastic?

— chelsea peng, Marie Claire, "5 Predictions on How 'Wonder Woman' Will Influence Beauty", 14 June 2017
Carefully take down your hair and if possible, skip the elastic all together.

— tomoko takeda canel, Seventeen, "10 Genius Hacks For Making Your Hair Grow Faster", 8 June 2017
Costa Mesa woman raises $24,000 for bracelet company Costa Mesa resident Terry Leon recently raised about $24,000 on Kickstarter.com for a bracelet featuring a groove cut that holds an elastic hair band inside it.

— daily pilot staff, Daily Pilot, "Biz News: Work begins on The Country Club, replacing Pierce Street Annex", 8 June 2017

These 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.

Origin and Etymology 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

NEW!

First Known Use: 1674

See Words from the same year

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

elastic

noun elas·tic

Definition of elastic

1a : easily stretched rubber usually prepared in cords, strings, or bandsb : rubber band
2a : an elastic fabric usually made of yarns containing rubberb : something made from this fabric

See elastic defined for English-language learners

Examples of elastic in a Sentence

She wrapped an elastic around the cards.

First Known Use of elastic

1847

ELASTIC Defined for English Language Learners

elastic

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adjective

Definition of elastic for English Language Learners

: able to return to an original shape or size after being stretched, squeezed, etc.
: able to be changed

elastic

noun

Definition of elastic for English Language Learners

: material that can be stretched : elastic fabric

ELASTIC Defined for Kids

elastic

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adjective elas·tic \i-ˈla-stik\

Definition of elastic for Students

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

elastic

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noun elas·tic

Definition of elastic for Students

1 : rubber band
2 : material that can be stretched

Medical Dictionary

elastic

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adjective elas·tic \i-ˈlas-tik\

Medical Definition of elastic

1aof a solid : capable of recovering size and shape after deformationbof a liquid : capable of resisting compressioncof a gas : capable of indefinite expansion
2: capable of being easily stretched or expanded and resuming former shape

elastically

\-ti-k(ə-)lē\play adverb

elastic

noun elas·tic

Medical Definition of elastic

1a: easily stretched rubber usually prepared in cords, strings, or bandsb: 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 rubberb: something made from this fabric