n.
Pronunciation: i- ' las-tik
Function: adjective
Etymology: New Latin elasticus, from Late Greek elastos ductile, beaten, from Greek elaunein to drive, beat out; probably akin to Greek ē lythe he went, Old Irish luid
Date: 1674
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>
– elas · ti · cal · ly \ -ti-k( ə -)l ē \ adverb
synonyms 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>.