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elastic

adj. · n.
US //ɪˈɫæstɪk// UK //ɪlˈɑːstɪk// elas·tic
  1. 1 stretchy (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    able to stretch and then return to its original shape or size.

    capable of resuming original shape or dimensions after being stretched or compressed.

    Example

    The waistband of these trousers is elastic, so they are very comfortable.

    Example

    The material is highly elastic, allowing the athlete full range of motion while ensuring the garment retains its shape after repeated use.
  2. 2 sensitive to price (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Technical Science

    describing a situation where the demand for a product changes a lot when the price changes.

    referring to the degree to which supply or demand for a product responds to a change in price.

    Example

    Luxury goods are often elastic because people stop buying them if the price goes up.

    Example

    The demand for organic produce proved to be highly elastic, with even a slight price increase leading consumers to switch to conventional alternatives.

    Usage

    In economic contexts, it is often contrasted with 'inelastic' demand.
    • inelastic
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  1. 3 flexible or adaptable (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    able to change or adapt easily to different situations.

    capable of being adapted to various uses or circumstances; not rigid in application.

    Example

    We have an elastic schedule that allows us to work from home when needed.

    Example

    The legal framework was designed to be elastic, allowing judges to interpret the rules according to the specific needs of each generation.
  2. 4 stretchy material (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a type of cord or fabric that stretches, often used in clothes.

    a flexible, stretchy material or fabric, typically made of rubber or containing rubber threads.

    Example

    The elastic in my old socks has completely worn out.

    Example

    The manufacturer used a high-grade industrial elastic to ensure the safety netting could withstand significant impact without snapping.
    • rubber band
    • elastic band
  3. 5 a rubber band (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English Dialect

    a small, circular piece of stretchy rubber used to hold things together.

    a loop of rubber used for holding items together; common in specific regional dialects.

    Example

    Can you give me an elastic to tie these pens together?

    Example

    She snapped an elastic around the bundle of letters, keeping the correspondence organized within the archive box.

    Teacher's tip

    In most varieties of English, 'rubber band' is more common; 'an elastic' as a countable noun is specifically common in Canada and parts of the US.
    • rubber band
Origin

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”).

Word family

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