What does elastic mean?
Elastic describes something that can be stretched and will spring back to its original form — rubber bands, waistbands, and bungee cords are all elastic in this literal sense. By extension, the word is applied figuratively to anything flexible or adaptable: an elastic schedule bends under pressure, and in economics, elastic demand means that consumption responds noticeably to changes in price. Elastic also functions as a noun, denoting a stretchable material, most familiarly a cord or woven band of rubber and fabric used to bind or hold things. Derived from the Greek elaunein, meaning "to drive, beat, or roll out," the word entered English in the seventeenth century via New Latin. Its connotations are largely positive, suggesting resilience and give rather than brittleness — an elastic person or system recovers from strain instead of snapping. Few everyday words so neatly bridge physics, commerce, and character.
Able to resume its normal shape spontaneously after being stretched or compressed; figuratively, adaptable or flexible.
"Interpretations of the rule have been notably elastic over the years."
In economics, "elastic" specifically means responsive to changes in price or income, as in "price-elastic demand."
A stretchable material, typically a cord or woven band of rubber and textile, used to hold things together or keep them in place.
"He snapped the elastic around the stack of papers."
The plural refers to individual pieces of elastic material, such as multiple bands or cords; it is not used to mean different kinds of elasticity.
"Keep a few elastics on hand for bundling cables."
The word "elastic" comes from the Greek elaunein, "to drive or beat out" — the same root behind "last" as in shoemaking.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of elastic
Elastic derives ultimately from the ancient Greek elaunein, meaning "to drive, beat out, or roll," which also gives us "last" (the shoemaker's foot-shaped mold) through its related noun elastos. It passed into New Latin as elasticus before entering English in the early seventeenth century, when it described bodies that expand and contract. Related English words sharing this root include elasticity, elastomer, and elasticize.
Related word forms
How elastic is actually used
As an adjective, elastic appears both literally (materials) and figuratively (flexible rules, schedules, or economic demand). The noun is especially common in British English for what Americans may call a rubber band or hair tie depending on context.
Easily confused with elastic
"Elastick" is simply an obsolete early spelling of elastic, not a distinct word.