elastic
1 of 2adjective
elas·tic i-ˈla-stik 
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
Wilkie Collins3
: 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
elastically
i-ˈla-sti-k(ə-)lē
adverb elastic
2 of 2noun
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
Synonyms
Adjective
- bouncy
- flexible
- resilient
- rubberlike
- rubbery
- springy
- stretch
- stretchable
- stretchy
- supple
- whippy
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Adjective when vacationing, we generally have very elastic daily sightseeing plans Noun She wrapped an elastic around the cards.
Recent Examples on the Web Jacob Gallagher, WSJ, 31 Aug. 2022 Opt for pajamas with elastic waistbands and flowy silhouettes for the best relaxed fits. Karla Pope, Woman's Day, 16 Aug. 2022 Try to avoid touching the mask itself and use the elastic bands. Eric Ravenscraft, Wired, 14 Aug. 2022 These loungewear finds on Amazon feel like a sartorial sigh of relief thanks to soft materials, elastic waistbands, and loose silhouettes. Sarah Madaus, SELF, 30 June 2022 Alito adopted a more elastic form of originalism which has allowed him, with plodding consistency, to arrive at results that a loyal Republican would prefer. Margaret Talbot, The New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2022 But there the popular condiment sits, adding texture and sass to a tradition made lighter and more elastic than usual with olive oil and sour cream in the dough. Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 26 Aug. 2022 An extra-elastic Velcro strap runs the length of each Go unit, and this proves to be a drastic but useful departure from the standard zippers that are found on most compression boots. Ebenezer Samuel, Men's Health, 24 Aug. 2022 As the festival continues in an online format for yet another week, hopefully more attendees, near and far, will be able to marvel at a vastly elastic program that encompasses the local, the global and all points in between. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 20 Aug. 2022 Adam Begley, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2022 To do so, simply construct a braid in the middle of your head, and secure it with an elastic. Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 4 Aug. 2022 The ideal elastic for curly hair won't be the same for straight hair, and ditto for thick and thin hair. Lindy Segal, Harper's BAZAAR, 14 July 2022 This Paula’s Choice product also contains vitamin C as well as antioxidants, which work to protect the skin from further damage while increasing the production of collagen, our skin’s natural elastic. The Salt Lake Tribune, 15 May 2022 The sleeves also have an elastic around the bottom, giving it a ruffled appearance. Sanah Faroke, PEOPLE.com, 15 Apr. 2022 Unlike other bungee leashes on the market, Ruffwear integrates the elastic into its webbing, so there’s a smooth dispersion of force up and down the leash—not too stiff, not too loose—with no bunching. Outside Online, 26 June 2020 Our testers appreciated the double elastic on the fitted sheet, making bed-making simple and easy. Grace Wu, Good Housekeeping, 18 Apr. 2022 Use a safety pin to help guide the elastic through. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2022 See More
Adjective
The broader pant market has undergone what might be called a sweatpantification, resulting in an uptick of elastic waistbands, thigh-liberating pleats and generally wider trousers. Jacob Gallagher, WSJ, 31 Aug. 2022 Opt for pajamas with elastic waistbands and flowy silhouettes for the best relaxed fits. Karla Pope, Woman's Day, 16 Aug. 2022 Try to avoid touching the mask itself and use the elastic bands. Eric Ravenscraft, Wired, 14 Aug. 2022 These loungewear finds on Amazon feel like a sartorial sigh of relief thanks to soft materials, elastic waistbands, and loose silhouettes. Sarah Madaus, SELF, 30 June 2022 Alito adopted a more elastic form of originalism which has allowed him, with plodding consistency, to arrive at results that a loyal Republican would prefer. Margaret Talbot, The New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2022 But there the popular condiment sits, adding texture and sass to a tradition made lighter and more elastic than usual with olive oil and sour cream in the dough. Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 26 Aug. 2022 An extra-elastic Velcro strap runs the length of each Go unit, and this proves to be a drastic but useful departure from the standard zippers that are found on most compression boots. Ebenezer Samuel, Men's Health, 24 Aug. 2022 As the festival continues in an online format for yet another week, hopefully more attendees, near and far, will be able to marvel at a vastly elastic program that encompasses the local, the global and all points in between. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 20 Aug. 2022 Noun
Her touch was cool as her hand moved up under his shorts to where the elastic of his pants met his skin. Adam Begley, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2022 To do so, simply construct a braid in the middle of your head, and secure it with an elastic. Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 4 Aug. 2022 The ideal elastic for curly hair won't be the same for straight hair, and ditto for thick and thin hair. Lindy Segal, Harper's BAZAAR, 14 July 2022 This Paula’s Choice product also contains vitamin C as well as antioxidants, which work to protect the skin from further damage while increasing the production of collagen, our skin’s natural elastic. The Salt Lake Tribune, 15 May 2022 The sleeves also have an elastic around the bottom, giving it a ruffled appearance. Sanah Faroke, PEOPLE.com, 15 Apr. 2022 Unlike other bungee leashes on the market, Ruffwear integrates the elastic into its webbing, so there’s a smooth dispersion of force up and down the leash—not too stiff, not too loose—with no bunching. Outside Online, 26 June 2020 Our testers appreciated the double elastic on the fitted sheet, making bed-making simple and easy. Grace Wu, Good Housekeeping, 18 Apr. 2022 Use a safety pin to help guide the elastic through. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Adjective
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
First Known Use
Adjective
1674, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing elastic
Kids Definition
elastic 1 of 2
adjective
elas·tic i-ˈla-stik
: capable of returning to original shape or size after being stretched, pressed, or squeezed together
elastic
2 of 2noun
1
: rubber band
2
: material that can be stretched
Medical Definition
elastic 1 of 2
adjective
elas·tic i-ˈlas-tik
1
a
of a solid : capable of recovering size and shape after deformation
b
of a liquid : capable of resisting compression
c
of a gas : capable of indefinite expansion
2
: capable of being easily stretched or expanded and resuming former shape
elastic
2 of 2noun
1
a
: easily stretched rubber usually prepared in cords, strings, or bands
b
: a band of elastic used especially in orthodontics
also : one placed around a tooth at the gumline in effecting its nonsurgical removal
2
a
: an elastic fabric usually made of yarns containing rubber
b
: something made from this fabric
elastic
adjective
1
as in flexible
able to revert to original size and shape after being stretched, squeezed, or twisted elastic rubber bands Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- flexible
- stretch
- stretchy
- plastic
- stretchable
- rubberlike
- resilient
- rubbery
- supple
- springy
- bouncy
- whippy
- ductile
- pliable
- pliant
- moldable
- adaptable
- malleable
- kneadable
- limber
- willowy
- lithesome
- lissom
- lissome
- lithe
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- inelastic
- rigid
- stiff
- inflexible
- nonelastic
- solid
- compact
- hard
- firm
- unyielding
- short
- brittle
- flaky
- friable
- crisp
- crumbly
- flakey
2
as in adjustable
capable of being readily changed when vacationing, we generally have very elastic daily sightseeing plans Synonyms & Similar Words
- adjustable
- flexible
- adaptable
- pliable
- changing
- malleable
- alterable
- varying
- variable
- fluid
- versatile
- changeable
- modifiable
- fluctuating
- unstable
- labile
- inconstant
- unsteady
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- inelastic
- fixed
- invariable
- immutable
- inflexible
- unchangeable
- unalterable
- established
- uniform
- constant
- stable
- set
- unadaptable
- steady
- nonmalleable
- ramrod
- unchanging
- unbudgeable
- unvarying
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of elastic are flexible, resilient, springy, and supple. While all these words mean "able to endure strain without being permanently injured," elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching.
an elastic waistband
The meanings of flexible and elastic largely overlap; however, 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
Although the words resilient and elastic have much in common, resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed.
a resilient innersole
The words springy and elastic can be used in similar contexts, but 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
The words supple and elastic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury.
supple leather