elastic

The word “elastic” means able to stretch and then spring back to its original shape. In plain terms, stretchy and able to return to its original shape — or, more broadly, flexible and adaptable.

“Elastic” is pronounced ih-LAHS-tihk (/ə-/ in IPA).

Here is “elastic” used in a sentence: “The waistband is elastic, so the trousers fit a range of sizes.”

Words with a similar meaning to “elastic” include stretchy, stretchable and resilient.

The opposite of “elastic” — its antonyms — are anelastic, inelastic and nonelastic.

Depending on how it is used, “elastic” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “elastic” comes from New Latin. From French élastique, based on New Latin elasticus, ultimately from Greek elastós, "ductile" or able to be stretched.

“Elastic” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

"Elastic" specifically describes something that stretches and then springs back to its original shape, such as a rubber band. "Flexible" more broadly describes something that bends or adapts easily without necessarily implying a return to its original form.

Yes, "elastic" is often used figuratively to describe something flexible and able to adapt readily to change, such as an "elastic schedule" or "elastic policy." This extends the physical sense of stretching to abstract adaptability.

As a noun, "elastic" refers to a stretchy band or material, such as the elastic in a waistband. As an adjective, it describes the quality of being stretchy or adaptable, as in "an elastic fabric" or "an elastic approach."