elastic

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

noun

Definition 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

Other Words from elastic Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about elastic

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Choose the Right Synonym for elastic

Adjective

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 After Bruno’s slaying, investigators found a blue surgical bootee with drops of her blood and Gargiulo’s DNA on the elastic band. — Alene Tchekmedyianstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, "Accused serial killer has no memory of one attack and denies others, defense says," 8 Aug. 2019 The toy company will start phasing out plastic from new packaging, including elastic bands and shrink wrap, starting next year, with a plan to eliminate virtually all plastic from packages for new products by the end of 2022. — Joe Deaux, BostonGlobe.com, "Hasbro will phase out plastics from packaging — but not toys," 20 Aug. 2019 With a small pouch, a flap with some hardware, and an elastic Velcro band, the company, which has over 270,000 Instagram followers, believes there are countless ways to wear this new accessory. — Sara Radin, Teen Vogue, "Frankie Collective Is Making Tiny Bags for Your Arms and Ankles," 5 Aug. 2019 The skins are blistered and browned, perfectly chewy and elastic and swollen with garlicky pork or beef filling. — Los Angeles Times, "Newsletter: Essential California Week in Review: A tragedy in Gilroy," 3 Aug. 2019 Pants that pinch were resolved via hidden elastic fused into the back of each waistband. — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, "Henning Is Bringing Size-Inclusivity to Your 9-to-5 Wardrobe," 29 Aug. 2019 His European grosses alone would place The Divide Tour in the all-time top 10, but his elastic global appeal pushed the trek into record-breaking territory. — Eric Frankenberg, Billboard, "Ed Sheeran's Record-Breaking Divide Tour Posts Final Numbers: 255 Shows, $776.2 Million Grossed," 27 Aug. 2019 It’s anchored by Buckley’s haunting, elastic voice, and culminates with some vocal pyrotechnics before ending to a smattering of applause. — Danny Mcdonald, BostonGlobe.com, "On 25th anniversary of ‘Grace,’ video released of Jeff Buckley performing in Cambridge," 23 Aug. 2019 Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, lycra, and nylon with elastic threads — like the kind in bathing suits — pull fibers tightly together, which helps keep out the UV rays. — Locke Hughes, NBC News, "The best one piece bathing suits for active women," 7 Aug. 2019 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun The fitted, full-coverage, high-waisted style emerged as fabric technology advanced and elastics grew more stable. — Shira Feder, Vox, "The rise of granny panties," 5 June 2019 Plus, the soft material is far easier on your hair than tight elastics. — refinery29.com, "The Unexpected '90s Trend That Celebs Are Loving," 20 June 2018 Try to avoid tight hair ties, like elastics, that week, which could put extra stress on the hair. — Loren Savini, Allure, "The Best Products and Techniques for Strengthening Breakage-Prone Hair," 23 May 2018 These are high-brow and highly enjoyable alternatives to generic elastics that wind around hair and are a pain to take out. — Shannon Barbour, The Cut, "Silk Scrunchies Are Here," 13 Mar. 2018 Flip the tail ends up, tuck them in between your head and the clear elastics, and pull them out through the bottom to create the topsy tails. — Brooke Shunatona, Cosmopolitan, "15 Super-Easy Hairstyles for Lazy Girls Who Can't Even," 12 Dec. 2017 Add colored elastics into her hair to add a fun touch to this versatile updo. — Sasha Henriques, Woman's Day, "The 10 Best Back-to-School Hairstyles for Kids," 25 July 2017 The fitted, full-coverage, high-waisted style emerged as fabric technology advanced and elastics grew more stable. — Shira Feder, Vox, "The rise of granny panties," 5 June 2019 However, instead of just one big ponytail sectioned off into puffs with rubber bands, he's divided his hair into several smaller ones, complete with green, red, and yellow elastics. — Sharine Taylor, Allure, "For These Dancehall Artists, Hair Is Just as Important as the Music," 27 Sep. 2018

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.

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Last Updated

31 Oct 2019

Time Traveler for elastic

The first known use of elastic was in 1674

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More Definitions for elastic

elastic

adjective

Financial Definition of elastic

What It Is

Something is elastic when its price varies with the price of another item. It the business world, the term most often refers to how much the price of a good or service changes when the supply of that good or service changes.
The formula for elasticity is:

Elasticity = % Change in Quantity/% Change in Price

How It Works

Let's assume that when gas prices increase by 50%, gas purchases fall by 25%. Using the formula above, we can calculate that the price elasticity of gasoline is:

Elasticity = -25%/50% = -0.50

Thus, we can say that for every percentage point that gas prices increase, gas purchases decrease by half a percentage point. The price of gas is elastic.

Why It Matters

If demand changes a lot when prices change a little, the demand for a product is elastic. This often is the case for products or services for which there are many alternatives or for which consumers are price sensitive.

The opposite is also true: When there is a small change in demand when prices change a lot, the product is inelastic. This is often the case for products and services that people consider necessities and will purchase at almost any price. The presence of few good substitutes and the presence of customer loyalty are also factors. At some point, however, there is a price at which demand for any good or service will fall to zero or near zero.

Source: Investing Answers

elastic

adjective