adj. & n.
adj. 1 able to resume its normal bulk or shape spontaneously after contraction, dilatation, or distortion. 2 springy. 3 (of a person or feelings) buoyant. 4 flexible, adaptable (elastic conscience). 5 Econ. (of demand) variable according to price. 6 Physics (of a collision) involving no decrease of kinetic energy.
n. elastic cord or fabric, usu. woven with strips of rubber. elastic band = rubber band (see RUBBER(1)). elastically adv. elasticity n. elasticize v.tr. (also -ise).
[ mod.L elasticus f. Gk elastikos propulsive f. elauno drive ]