elasticity

noun

elas·​tic·​i·​ty i-ˌla-ˈsti-sə-tē 

ˌē-ˌla-,

-ˈti-stē

plural elasticities

1

: the quality or state of being elastic: such as

a

: the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation : springiness

b

: resilience sense 2

c

: the quality of being adaptable

2

: the responsiveness of a dependent economic variable to changes in influencing factors

elasticity of demand

price elasticity

Examples of elasticity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The President’s sweeping orders confirm the truism that political shifts test the elasticity and resilience of American democracy. —Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025

Baer’s thick stretcher paintings were a means of exploring the elasticity of painting as a medium, of finding the extent to which painting could maintain the magic of its virtual effects while simultaneously embracing the realities of physical structure. —Sarah K. Rich, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025

The partners’ favorite items in the collection hint at the elasticity of their vision. —Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 28 Mar. 2025

One 1996 study of 59 women found that those who used estrogen face creams saw improvements in their skin elasticity and firmness after six months. —Korin Miller, Flow Space, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for elasticity

• authenticity
• chromaticity
• concentricity
• domesticity
• eccentricity
• electricity
• iconicity
• metallicity
• multiplicity
• specificity
• synchronicity
• analyticity

Medical Definition

elasticity

noun

elas·​tic·​i·​ty i-ˌlas-ˈtis-ət-ē, ˌē-ˌlas-, -ˈtis-tē 

plural elasticities

: the quality or state of being elastic