elastic

Everyday

1. Elastic is a material that stretches and then goes back to its shape, often sewn into clothes. tree →
2. Elastic describes anything that can stretch and spring back. tree →
3. An elastic band is a rubber band. tree →
4. Elastic can also describe thoughts or plans that change easily to suit a situation. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on materials and forces, elastic materials stretch when pulled and return when let go; pupils test elastic bands and springs. In everyday life elastic holds up trousers and keeps masks on. Phrases: «elastic band», «hair elastic», «the elastic has gone».

Examples

• My trousers have elastic at the waist. tree →
• Put an elastic band round the cards. tree →
• Rubber is an elastic material. tree →
• We stretched the elastic band and measured how long it got. tree →
• The elastic in my sock has gone loose. tree →
• She tied her hair back with an elastic. tree →
• Don't flick elastic bands at people; they can hurt eyes. tree →
• His thoughts were so elastic, his heart so tender; and involuntarily he picked one of the nearest flowers. tree →

Note

As a noun it is usually uncountable (some elastic); «an elastic» means a hair band or rubber band. In science, «elastic» means it returns to shape; if it stays stretched, it is «plastic» in the science sense. Pull too hard and an elastic material snaps.