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Added 10 October 2026

elastic

/ɪˈlæstɪk/ adjective

In Latin: elasticus Wiktionary

adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about elastic at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

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.
Made of elastic.
elastic band
Of clothing, elasticated.

noun

An elastic material used in clothing, particularly in waistbands and cuffs.
running shorts use elastic to eliminate the need for a belt
An elastic band.
Specifically, a hair tie.

Origin

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”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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