elastic

CEFRC1

/ɪˈlæstɪk/

adjective · noun

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    adjective

    Able to stretch and return to its original shape.

  2. 02

    noun

    A stretchy material or band used to hold things.

Examples

  • A rubber ball bounces because it is elastic.

  • This swimming suit is made of elastic material.

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
2
Citations
2
Synonyms
3

Also pronounced

  • /i-/

Deep Dive

adjective

Extra meanings

  1. Made of elastic.

  2. Of clothing, elasticated.

  3. Capable of stretching; particularly, capable of stretching so as to return to an original shape or size when force is released.

More examples

In context

  • Demand for entertainment is more elastic than demand for energy.

  • The rope is somewhat elastic, so expect it to give when you pull on it.

  • elastic band

Synonyms

Antonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

The fabric is very blank and can stretch to twice its original length.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

adjective

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”).