elastic
UK[ɪˈlæstɪk]US[ɪˈlæstɪk]
adj
Able to return to its original size and shape after being stretched, squeezed, or bent.
adj
Flexible and adaptable; able to be changed.
n
A type of material or cord that is made with rubber and can stretch.
Morpheme Breakdown
elast
ic
elast
drive, beat
ic
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'elastic' has a fascinating journey from a concept of propulsion to one of resilience. It derives from the Late Latin 'elasticus', which itself came from the Greek 'elastikos', meaning 'propulsive' or 'driving', from the verb 'elaunein' (to drive, beat out). This original sense referred to the driving force of something, like an arrow being propelled. Over time, the meaning shifted in scientific contexts to describe materials, like air or rubber, that have an inherent 'driving' force to return to their original state after being deformed, leading to the modern sense of stretchiness and flexibility.
Analysis
Structure: elast (drive, beat) + ic (adjective suffix)
'elast' originates from the Greek verb 'elaunein', meaning 'to drive, beat out'. The suffix '-ic' is from Latin '-icus', via Greek '-ikos', forming adjectives meaning 'of, pertaining to, or having the nature of'.
Examples
The elastic waistband on these pants makes them very comfortable.
Her schedule is quite elastic, so she can meet us anytime this afternoon.
She tied her hair back with a piece of elastic.