elasticity

/,elæs'tisiti/

Friendly

Sure! Let's break down the word "elasticity."

Definition

Elasticity (noun) refers to the ability of an object or material to return to its original shape after it has been stretched or compressed. Imagine a rubber band: when you stretch it and let it go, it goes back to its original shape. That’s elasticity!

Usage Instructions

You can use "elasticity" when talking about materials, like rubber or fabric, or in more abstract ways, like describing how flexible someone is in adapting to changes.

Example Sentence

• "The elasticity of the rubber band allows it to stretch and then return to its original size."

Advanced Usage

In economics, "elasticity" can also refer to the responsiveness of demand or supply to changes in price. For example, if the price of a product goes up and people buy less of it, we say the demand has "high elasticity."

Word Variants

• Elastic (adjective): Describing something that has elasticity. Example: "The elastic fabric is comfortable to wear."
• Elastically (adverb): In a way that is elastic. Example: "The material stretches elastically."

Different Meanings

• Physical Elasticity: As mentioned, it refers to materials returning to their original shape.
• Economic Elasticity: Refers to how demand or supply responds to changes in price or income.

Synonyms

• Flexibility
• Resilience
• Stretchability

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "elasticity," you might come across phrases like: - "Bend but not break": This means to be flexible or adaptable, similar to elasticity.

Summary

In summary, "elasticity" is about the ability to stretch and return to form. It can be used in both physical contexts, like materials, and more abstract contexts, like economics.

Academic

Noun

1. the tendency of a body to return to its original shape after it has been stretched or compressed
   • the waistband had lost its snap

Synonyms

• snap