elastic
e·las·tic / iˈlastik/ • adj. (of an object or material) able to resume its normal shape spontaneously after contraction, dilatation, or distortion. ∎ able to encompass variety and change; flexible and adaptable: the definition of nationality is elastic in this cosmopolitan country. ∎ springy and buoyant: Annie returned with beaming eyes and elastic step. ∎ Econ. (of demand or supply) sensitive to changes in price or income: the labor supply is very elastic. ∎ Physics (of a collision) involving no decrease of kinetic energy.• n. cord, tape, or fabric, typically woven with strips of rubber, that returns to its original length or shape after being stretched.DERIVATIVES: e·las·ti·cal·ly adv.e·las·tic·i·ty / iˌlaˈstisitē; ēˌla-/ n.e·las·ti·cize / iˈlastəˌsīz/ v.
