adjective
elastic
ih-LAHS-tihk
adjective
1
Able to stretch and then spring back to its original shape.
"The waistband is elastic, so the trousers fit a range of sizes."
"A rubber band is elastic — pull it and it snaps back."
2
Flexible and able to adapt readily to change.
"Her elastic schedule let her rearrange meetings at short notice."
noun
1
A stretchy band or material used to hold or fasten things, such as in clothing or hair.
"She tied her hair back with an elastic."
"The bag of oranges was sealed with a thick elastic."
How to Use Elastic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStretchy and able to return to its original shape — or, more broadly, flexible and adaptable.
Common pairings
elastic band
elastic waistband
elastic demand
Word Forms
more elastic comparative, elastics plural, most elastic superlative
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The waistband is _____, so the trousers fit a range of sizes.
Etymology
From French élastique, based on New Latin elasticus, ultimately from Greek elastós, "ductile" or able to be stretched.