ELASTIC


Meaning of ELASTIC in English

I. i-ˈlas-tik adjective

Etymology: 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

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-)lē 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

II. noun

Date: 1847

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

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.