Pronunciation: [ɪlˈastɪk] (IPA) 
The word "elastic" is pronounced /ɪˈlæs.tɪk/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The initial sound is an unstressed, lax /ɪ/. The second sound is a stressed /ˈlæs/, with a short vowel sound followed by an /s/ sound. The final syllable is /tɪk/, with a /t/ sound followed by an unstressed /ɪ/ and a /k/ sound. Overall, this word is spelled as it sounds, with each sound represented by its corresponding letter or combination of letters.
Elastic, as an adjective, refers to the property of a material or substance to return to its original shape or size after being stretched or compressed. This characteristic is typically due to the presence of flexible molecules or fibers that allow the material to be deformed under external forces and then regain its initial form when the forces are removed.
In a more general sense, the term "elastic" can also describe something that is flexible or adaptable, capable of adjusting or responding to changing conditions or demands. It can denote the ability to bounce back from setbacks or difficulties, displaying resilience and a quick recovery.
As a noun, "elastic" refers to a narrow band of rubber or similar material that is used to hold things tightly in place or to provide pressure or tension. Elastic bands are commonly used in clothing, such as waistbands, cuffs, or fabric closures, as well as in various practical applications like hair ties or orthopedic support products.
In mathematics, "elastic" is used to describe the concept of an elastic collision, which is a collision between two bodies in which both kinetic energy and momentum are conserved. This term is often employed in physics, particularly in the study of mechanics and the behavior of objects under the influence of external forces.
Having the property of returning to the original shape after being compressed, bent, or otherwise distorted.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Springing back; having the power to return to the form from which it is bent, drawn, or pressed.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "elastic" comes from the Latin word "elasticus", which derives from the Greek word "elastikos". The Greek term "elastikos" means "apt to twist and turn" or "resilient", derived from the Greek word "elastos", meaning "ductile" or "flexible". This ultimately comes from the Greek verb "ellampein", which means "to shine from within" or "to flash like lightning". Initially, the word "elastic" was used to describe a substance's ability to regain its original shape after being stretched or deformed.
