elastic

UK: /ɪˈlæstɪk/ US: /ɪˈlæstɪk/ ,(i las′tik)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

e•las•tic /ɪˈlæstɪk/   adj. 

1. capable of returning to its original length or shape after being stretched:
   elastic stockings.
2. flexible; adaptable:
   elastic rules.
3. bouncy or springy:
   an elastic step.

n. 

4. Textiles [uncountable] fabric or material that is made elastic, as with strips of rubber.
5. [countable] rubber band.

e•las•tic•i•ty /ɪlæsˈtɪsɪti, ˌilæs-/  n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

e•las•tic  (i las′tik), adj. 

1. capable of returning to its original length, shape, etc., after being stretched, deformed, compressed, or expanded:
   an elastic waistband; elastic fiber.
2. spontaneously expansive, as gases.
3. flexible;
   accommodating;
   adaptable;
   tolerant:
   elastic rules and regulations.
4. springing back or rebounding;
   springy:
   He walks with an elastic step.
5. readily recovering from depression or exhaustion;
   buoyant:
   an elastic temperament.
6. Business [Econ.] relatively responsive to change, as to a proportionate increase in demand as the result of a decrease in price. Cf. inelastic (def. 2).
7. Physics of, pertaining to, or noting a body having the property of elasticity.

n. 

8. Textiles webbing, or material in the form of a band, made elastic, as with strips of rubber.
9. something made from this material, as a garter.
10. See rubber band. 

• Neo-Latin elasticus expanding spontaneously, equivalent. to Greek elast(ós) (late variant of elatós ductile, beaten (of metal), derivative of elaúnein, elân beat out, forge) + -icus -ic
• 1645–55

e•las′ti•cal•ly, adv. 
Synonyms

• 3. resilient, pliant.

Antonyms

• 3. rigid, inflexible, intolerant, unyielding.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

elastic / ɪˈlæstɪk/ adjective

1. (of a body or material) capable of returning to its original shape after compression, expansion, stretching, or other deformation
2. capable of adapting to change: an elastic schedule
3. quick to recover from fatigue, dejection, etc; buoyant
4. springy or resilient
5. made of elastic

noun

1. tape, cord, or fabric containing interwoven strands of flexible rubber or similar substance allowing it to stretch and return to its original shape

Etymology: 17th Century: from New Latin elasticus impulsive, from Greek elastikos, from elaunein to beat, drive