Elasticity
/ˌɛl.æsˈtɪs.ɪ.ti/noun
The ability of a material or object to return to its original shape after being stretched or compressed.
Did you know?Elasticity traces back to a Greek verb meaning “to drive, propel,” which later gave rise to the idea of a substance that springs back when pushed.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*el-
“to drive, set in motion”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἐλαύνειν (elaunein)
“to drive, propel, or drive onward”
Late Greek
Greek
ἐλαστικός (elastikos)
“able to be driven or to drive back; resilient”
17th Century
French
élastique
“springy, capable of returning to shape”
17th Century
English
elastic
“having the property of resuming shape after deformation”
19th Century
English
elasticity
“the quality or state of being elastic”