elasticity

elasticity — noun

1. the physical property that lets a material go back to its previous shape after b

1.名詞B2
釋義

the physical property that lets a material go back to its previous shape after being stretched, squeezed, or pulled out of form

例句

The old rubber band lost its elasticity and snapped when Lucía stretched it around the package.

uncountable noun measured as a material property

The doctor checked the elasticity of Putri's skin by pinching the back of her hand.

collocation: skin elasticity

同義詞
  • stretchiness

    less formal; used for fabrics and everyday materials

  • springiness

    emphasises the quick return to shape after compression

  • resilience

    broader term that can overlap with elasticity in materials science

反義詞
  • rigidity

    complete lack of flexibility; the material does not bend at all

  • stiffness

    resistance to bending, though some stiff materials may still be elastic

文法句型

elasticity + of + material / body part

用法筆記

Uncountable noun. This sense refers to a measurable physical property of solids, most commonly rubber, fabric, skin, and muscle tissue. Frequently used with a possessive or an of-phrase specifying the material.

常見錯誤

❌The rubber band has good elasticities.
✅The rubber band has good elasticity.
💡Elasticity is uncountable and does not take a plural form.

2. the ability of a system, rule, plan, or arrangement to be changed or adjusted to

2.名詞B2
釋義

the ability of a system, rule, plan, or arrangement to be changed or adjusted to suit different situations without breaking down

例句

Stephanie valued the scheduling system's elasticity, which let her adjust her hours for child care.

figurative sense: used for systems and policies

Hari argued the lesson plan needed elasticity so teachers could respond to unexpected student questions.

collocation: needed elasticity

同義詞
  • flexibility

    more general and much more common; describes willingness or capacity to change

  • adaptability

    focuses on the ability to fit new conditions rather than on the range of possible change

  • resilience

    emphasises the ability to recover from disruption rather than the range of adjustment

反義詞
  • rigidity

    inability or unwillingness to change a rule, schedule, or system

  • inflexibility

    the quality of being fixed and not open to adjustment

文法句型

elasticity + of + abstract noun (system / policy / schedule / demand)

用法筆記

Uncountable noun. This figurative sense is common in economics (price elasticity, elasticity of demand), business (budget elasticity, organisational elasticity), and education (curriculum elasticity). The physical metaphor remains active: a system with high elasticity can stretch without breaking.