Elastic Definition
ĭ-lăstĭk
adjective
Able to spring back to its original size, shape, or position after being stretched, squeezed, flexed, expanded, etc.; flexible; springy.
Webster's New World
Relating to a collision in which the total kinetic energy is conserved.
American Heritage
Able to recover easily from dejection, fatigue, etc.; buoyant.
An elastic temperament.
Webster's New World
Quick to recover, as from disappointment; resilient.
An elastic spirit.
American Heritage
Readily changed or changing to suit circumstances; adaptable.
Elastic regulations.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
noun
An elastic fabric made flexible by strands of rubber or a rubberlike synthetic running through it.
Webster's New World
An object made of this fabric.
American Heritage
A band, garter, etc. of this material.
Webster's New World
A rubber band.
Webster's New World
(uncountable) An elastic material used in clothing, particularly in waistbands and cuffs.
Running shorts use elastic to eliminate the need for a belt.
Wiktionary
Synonyms:
Origin of Elastic
-
From French élastique, from New Latin elasticus (“elastic”), from Ancient Greek as if * ἐλαστής (elastēs) for ἐλατής (elatēs), equiv. to ἐλατήρ (elatēr, “a driver, hurler”), from ἐλαύνειν (elaunein, “to drive, set in motion, push, strike, beat out”).
From Wiktionary
New Latin elasticus from Late Greek elastos beaten, ductile variant of Greek elatos from elaunein to beat out
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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