Elastiske

Elastiske is a Danish adjective meaning elastic, used to describe something that can return to its original shape after deformation or to figuratively describe flexibility. In Danish grammar, elastiske is the plural indefinite form and the definite singular form of the base adjective elastisk. For example: elastiske materialer (elastic materials) and det elastiske materiale (the elastic material).

Etymology and related forms: The Danish word elastisk, and its inflected forms such as elastiske, derive from the Latin elasticus and the Greek elastos, shared by many languages to express the property of elasticity. Cognates exist in Norwegian (elastisk) and Swedish (elastisk), reflecting common Nordic roots.

Usage in science and engineering: In physics and materials science, elasticity denotes a material’s ability to resist permanent deformation and to recover its original shape after stress. Key concepts include Young’s modulus, the elastic limit, and Hooke’s law, which describes a proportional relationship between stress and strain for many materials within the elastic range. Common elastic materials include rubber, springs, and certain polymers.

Figurative use: Beyond technical contexts, elastiske is used metaphorically to describe systems, policies, or plans that are adaptable and capable of absorbing shocks or changes without sustaining lasting damage. It conveys a sense of resilience and flexibility in non-physical domains.

See also: Elastisk, elasticity, material science, Hooke’s law. The term remains a standard part of Danish vocabulary and is commonly encountered in science, engineering, and everyday language.