elastic

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a narrow band of elastic rubber used to hold things, such as papers, together

   Using elastic, I bundled the forms together to send to my lawyer.

2. 2
   adj

   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.

3. 3
   adj

   Made of elastic.

   elastic band

4. 4
   adj

   Sensitive to changes in price.

   Demand for entertainment is more elastic than demand for energy.

5. 5
   adj

   springy; bouncy; vivacious

   He could see that she was tastefully, though not richly, dressed, and that she walked with an elastic step that revealed a light heart and the vigor of perfect health. Her face, of course, he could not analyze, since he had caught only the one brief but convincing glimpse of it.

6. 6
   adj

   Pervasive, all-encompassing.

   It was now about six o'clock, and that first freshness was on the air, which is to the day what youth is to life,—so light, so elastic, so sweet, and so brief:...

7. 7
   adj

   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

8. 8
   noun

   An elastic material used in clothing, particularly in waistbands and cuffs.

   running shorts use elastic to eliminate the need for a belt

Etymology

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”).