E-lās'tic, a.
a. [Fr. élastique, It. & Sp. elastico, N. Lat. elasticus, from Gr. ἐλαύνειν, to drive.]
Sense 1. Springing back; having power to return to the form from which it is bent, extended, pressed, or distorted; having the inherent property of recovering its former figure, after any external pressure, which has altered that figure, is removed; rebounding; springy; flying back; as, a bow is elastic; the air is elastic; vapors are elastic.
Capable of being drawn out by force like a piece of elastic gum, and by its own elasticity returning, when the force is removed, to its former position. Paley.
Sense 2. Readily returning to a previous state or condition, after being depressed or overtaxed; having power to sustain shocks or trials without abiding detriment; as, elastic spirits; an elastic constitution.
The herds are elastic with health. Landor.
Elastic curve (Geom.), the curve made by an elastic filament or lamina, fixed horizontally at one end and loaded at the other. — Elastic fluids, those which have the property of expanding in all directions on the removal of external pressure, as the air, gases, vapors. — Elastic tissue (Anat.), the tissue upon the presence of which the elasticity of any portion of the body depends. It is of a yellowish hue, very resistant to chemical agents, and usually composed of cylindrical, branching fibers.