elastic Meaning & Definition
What Does Elastic Mean?
Elastic is used as an adjective meaning Capable of stretching; particularly, capable of stretching so as to return to an original shape or size when force is released. It can also mean Made of elastic. As a noun, it means An elastic material used in clothing, particularly in waistbands and cuffs.
Elastic: Key Facts
| Part of speech | adjective, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ɪˈlæstɪk/ |
| Synonyms | pliant, pliable and resilient |
| Antonyms | inelastic, anelastic and nonelastic |
| Plural | elastics |
| Comparative / superlative | more elastic, most elastic |
Elastic Definition (Adjective)
- Capable of stretching; particularly, capable of stretching so as to return to an original shape or size when force is released.
The rope is somewhat elastic, so expect it to give when you pull on it.
- Made of elastic.
elastic band
- Of clothing, elasticated.
- Sensitive to changes in price.
Demand for entertainment is more elastic than demand for energy.
- springy; bouncy; vivacious
- Pervasive, all-encompassing.
- Able to return quickly to a former state or condition, after being depressed or overtaxed; having power to recover easily from shocks and trials.
elastic spirits; an elastic constitution
Elastic as a Noun
- An elastic material used in clothing, particularly in waistbands and cuffs.
Running shorts use elastic to eliminate the need for a belt.
- An elastic band.
- Ellipsis of hair elastic (“a hair tie”).
Synonyms of Elastic
Antonyms of Elastic
Elastic in a Sentence
The rope is somewhat elastic, so expect it to give when you pull on it.
elastic band
Demand for entertainment is more elastic than demand for energy.
elastic spirits; an elastic constitution
Running shorts use elastic to eliminate the need for a belt.
Word Forms & Grammar
elastic (comparative more elastic, superlative most elastic)
elastic (countable and uncountable, plural elastics)
Words That Rhyme With Elastic
Origin of Elastic
From French élastique, from New Latin elasticus (“elastic”), from Ancient Greek ἐλαστός (elastós), alternative form of ἐλατός (elatós, “ductile”) (cf. ἐλατήρ (elatḗr, “a driver, hurler”)), from ἐλαύνω (elaúnō, “to drive, set in motion, push, strike, beat out”).
Quick Answers About Elastic
Is elastic an adjective or a noun?
Elastic is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is another word for elastic?
Words with a similar meaning to elastic include pliant, pliable and resilient. See the full list of elastic synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of elastic?
Antonyms of elastic include inelastic, anelastic and nonelastic.
What is the plural of elastic?
The plural of elastic is elastics.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of elastic?
The comparative form is more elastic and the superlative form is most elastic.