I. ˈfleksəbəl adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin flexibilis, from flexus + -ibilis -ible
1. : capable of being flexed : capable of being turned, bowed, or twisted without breaking : pliable
using ointments to keep the healing surface flexible
slim flexible birches bowing in the wind
2. : willing or ready to yield to the influence of others : not invincibly rigid or obstinate : tractable , manageable
a flexible character, pleasant and cooperative but without strong convictions
3. : characterized by ready capability for modification or change, by plasticity, pliancy, variability, and often by consequent adaptability to new situations
a highly flexible curriculum
a living and flexible and growing morality — Havelock Ellis
a flexible schedule of rates
4. : featuring flexible binding or flexible sewing
a flexible edition
— see spine illustration
Synonyms:
elastic , resilient , springy , supple : flexible is applicable to anything capable of being bent, turned, or twisted without being broken and with or without returning of itself to its former shape
plumbing is easier with flexible copper tubing
a flexible thin steel runner
elastic indicates ability to stretch, expand, or take on new shape under pressure, usually with return to an original shape or position after pressure is withdrawn
a body … is elastic when, and only when, it tends to recover its initial condition when the distorting force is removed. For example, lead, putty, and chewing gum are not elastic. Steel, rubber, air, most substances in fact, are more or less elastic — A.L.Foley
resilient stresses an ability to spring back and recover shape with the removal of pressure
resilient natural rubber
the resilient qualities of a tennis ball
resilient mattresses and cushions
springy is a nontechnical word with meanings and suggestions of both elastic and resilient
a springy turf
a bed of springy pine needles — S.E.White
her bright brown hair rose in springy waves from her forehead, piled high on her head — Marcia Davenport
supple applies to whatever bends, flexes, or folds with reasonable ease and shows resistance to cracking, breaking, or splitting
supplest calfskin
a pullover of supple chamois
II. noun
( -s )
: something that is flexible