[ɪˈlastɪk], (Adjective)

Definitions:
- (of an object or material) able to resume its normal shape spontaneously after being stretched or compressed
(e.g: a tourniquet of rubber tubing or other elastic material is placed around the upper arm)

- able to encompass much variety and change; flexible and adaptable
(e.g: the definition of nationality is elastic in this cosmopolitan country)

- (of demand or supply) sensitive to changes in price or income
(e.g: the labour supply is very elastic)

- (of a collision) involving no decrease of kinetic energy


Phrases:

Origin:
mid 17th century (originally describing a gas in the sense ‘expanding spontaneously to fill the available space’): from modern Latin elasticus, from Greek elastikos ‘propulsive’, from elaunein ‘to drive’

[ɪˈlastɪk], (Noun)

Definitions:
- cord, tape, or fabric, woven with strips of rubber, which returns to its original length or shape after being stretched
(e.g: a polythene bag tied with elastic)


Phrases:

Origin:
mid 17th century (originally describing a gas in the sense ‘expanding spontaneously to fill the available space’): from modern Latin elasticus, from Greek elastikos ‘propulsive’, from elaunein ‘to drive’