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

In your 50s: Revitalization Mature hair is more prone to losing elasticity, which can cause breakage. —Marie Courtois, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2025

Vitale Barberis Canonico’s knitted fabric is a 290-gram, 77 percent wool, 11 percent silk, 11 percent linen, and 1 percent elastane textile intended for blazers and outerwear which stands out for its matte look, elasticity, and speckled surface, the result of blending silk and linen. —Andrea Onate, WWD, 28 Jan. 2025

As our bodies age, our skin can lose its elasticity and thin out, which causes the blood vessels to appear easier. —Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 27 Jan. 2025

This toner’s adenosine promotes skin elasticity and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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