From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishelastice‧las‧tic1 /ɪˈlæstɪk/ ●○○ noun [uncountable] TIMa type of rubber material that can stretch and then return to its usual length or size a piece of elastic
Examples from the Corpus
elastic• It is useful to use that very fine elastic on the zig-zag, the two circular rows and the following one.• The local magistrate might not believe in the frayed elastic, either, if the McReady family were pillars of the kirk.• The gloves have elastic at the wrist for a snug fit.• There's no elastic been invented that doesn't go all slack the minute a camera comes out.• The stretching of the elastic explains the elasticity of lung tissue and that energy is required to stretch the tissue.• A conical party hat was now perched on top of the grey stubble, with the elastic stretched under my chin.• I mean, who in their right mind would want to jump from a great height with elastic tied round their ankles?elasticelastic2 adjective 1 TIMmade of elastic an elastic cord2 HTIMa material that is elastic can stretch and then go back to its usual length or size the horny elastic pad in a horse’s hoof3 CHANGE/BECOME DIFFERENTa system or plan that is elastic can change or be changed easily Demand for this type of holiday will probably be fairly elastic.4 American English if a piece of clothing is elastic, it is made with material that can stretch children’s pants with an elastic waistExamples from the Corpus
elastic• This will keep the muscle fibres mobile and elastic.• She got up reluctantly, stretching like a long thin cat, all naked, curvy, and elastic.• Supposing that that ball were perfectly elastic.• Turn out on well-floured board or canvas and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.• Arteries become less elastic and harder.• The steering wheel felt elastic and rubbery in his hands.• He pulled it farther open and saw that a bunch of quill pens in an elastic band had been moved.• This formula differs somewhat from the classical Hertz expression for elastic deformation of a plane by a rigid sphere.• The demand for air travel is less elastic in the Caribbean.• Children's bones are far more elastic than adults'.• an elastic waistbandOrigin elastic2 (1600-1700) Modern Latin elasticus, from Late Greek elastos “able to change shape” 