Elasticities

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The qualities of being flexible or stretchable, allowing for changes in shape or volume under pressure
2. The ability of a material to return to its original form after being deformed, useful in various physical applications
3. The capacity for adapting to new conditions or requirements, applicable in economic contexts as well as in materials science

Etymology: The plural "elasticities" simply counts distinct instances of the quality "elasticity," which in turn is built from "elastic" plus the suffix "-ity." The noun "elasticity" thus traces back to the adjective "elastic," which came into English from New Latin "elasticus," a scientific coinage in that language. That adjective was itself formed from the Greek "elastos," meaning "driven" or "propelled," from a root meaning to drive. The sense of springing back into shape grew out of the idea of something that is driven or pushed and can return to its form. The suffix "-ity" arrived through Latin "-itas," passed through Old French "-ite" and Middle English "-ite," and became the modern English "-ity," which turns adjectives into abstract nouns naming a quality. So "elasticity" literally means "the state of being elastic," and it was later extended from physical springiness to the adaptability of markets and people.

Synonyms: flexibility, stretchability, adaptability, modifiability, resilience

Antonyms: rigidity, stiffness, inflexibility, hardness, fixedness