elastic

1 of 2

adjective

elas·​tic i-ˈla-stik 

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

elastically

i-ˈla-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

elastic

2 of 2

noun

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

Synonyms

Adjective

• bouncy
• flexible
• resilient
• rubberlike
• rubbery
• springy
• stretch
• stretchable
• stretchy
• supple
• whippy

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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 only real downside is that the elastic sections at the ankle are not waterproof, which could be an issue in deeper snow. —Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 21 Nov. 2023

The collection contains clasps, jump rings, shells, hearts, emoji beads, elastic strings, scissors, flat polymer clay beads, and more. —Maya Polton, Parents, 21 Nov. 2023

Michael Urie lends an elastic face and sing-songy intonations to Sir Robin, and Ethan Slater’s dexterous physical humor, as a French mime, an effete prince and a naked puppeteer, is always welcome. —Naveen Kumar, Variety, 17 Nov. 2023

The creepy accomplishment was made possible by a new approach to additive manufacturing that can print both rigid and elastic materials at the same time in high resolution. —IEEE Spectrum, 15 Nov. 2023

Knead dough until smooth and elastic, which should take about 3 minutes. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Nov. 2023

They are made of polyester and acrylic fiber, which gives them a nice stretch, and according to shoppers, the elastic ankle cuff prevents compression of your legs and offers up a comfortable experience for everyday wear. —Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 10 Nov. 2023

For instance, on April Fools’ Day in 1979, when Mr. Kirke put on a tuxedo, attached himself to elastic ropes, and stepped off a bridge in England clutching a bottle of Champagne in the world’s first bungee jump. —Michael S. Rosenwald, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2023

Mix on medium until the dough is shiny and elastic, 6–8 minutes. —David and José Cáceres, Saveur, 1 Nov. 2023

Noun

Thanks to a hidden elastic in the back, the V-neck dress is able to accommodate a baby bump and then be worn postpartum. —Lauren Levy, Peoplemag, 12 May 2023

Then create a three strand braid on each side and secure the ends with clear elastics. —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2023

Everything is kept snug using elastics and mesh pockets made of recycled plastic. —Kelsey Glennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2023

Caldwell suggests looking for a little bit of cushion built into the non-adjustable part of the strap, with thick elastic in the adjustable part. —Esmé Epstein, Health, 16 June 2023

The slingshot comes with one set of flat band elastics, but it is designed to use anything from tubes to rubber bands. —Jim Cobb, Field & Stream, 13 Sep. 2023

The pony itself was pulled up tightly right at the crown of Bailey's head and cinched tightly up top, with a few pieces of her hair wrapped around the base to disguise any elastics and pins. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 7 Sep. 2023

Plus the waistband is thicker than many tennis skirts allowing the elastic to be spread out rather than pushing on one section of your stomach. —Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 31 Aug. 2023

Interior accordion-like compartments are designed to separate key photography gear and snug elastics hug SD cards. —Kelsey Glennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2023

See More

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

Adjective

1674, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing elastic

• elastic band
• elastic scattering
• elastic limit
• elastic modulus
• elastic fiber

• elastic band
• elastic scattering
• elastic limit
• elastic modulus
• elastic fiber

Kids Definition

elastic

1 of 2 adjective

elas·​tic i-ˈlas-tik 

1

a

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

sponges are elastic

b

: capable of indefinite expansion

gases are elastic substances

2

: able to recover quickly especially from sadness or disappointment

youthful, elastic spirit

3

: capable of being changed : flexible

an elastic plan

elasticity

i-ˌlas-ˈtis-ət-ē

ˌē-ˌlas-

noun

elastic

2 of 2 noun

1

: rubber band

2

a

: an elastic fabric usually made of yarns containing rubber

b

: something made from elastic fabric

Medical Definition

elastic

1 of 2 adjective

elas·​tic i-ˈlas-tik 

1

a

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

elastically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

elastic

2 of 2 noun

1

a

: 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

2

a

: an elastic fabric usually made of yarns containing rubber

b

: something made from this fabric