Rugalmas

Rugalmas is a Hungarian adjective meaning elastic or flexible. In everyday language it refers to the ability to resume shape after deformation (physical elasticity) as well as to adaptability in plans, policies, or behavior.

In physics and engineering, rugalmas describes materials or systems that can absorb and release energy through deformation, returning toward their original form when force is removed. Common examples include elastic polymers, metals under small strains, and biological tissues with elastic properties. The concept is essential in design, manufacturing, and biomechanics, where elasticity affects performance, durability, and comfort. In textiles and fashion, rugalmas fabrics or bands describe materials with stretchability, such as elastics and spandex blends.

Metaphorically, rugalmas denotes flexibility in processes, strategies, or organizations—being able to adjust to changing conditions, scales, or resources, often at the cost of rigidity.

Etymology: The word is cognate with the Latin elasticus and with corresponding forms in other European languages (for example English elastic, German elastisch, French élastique). In Hungarian, the form evolved into rugalmas to denote both physical elasticity and figurative flexibility.

See also: elasticity, elastic deformation, elastic modulus, elasticity in materials science, elastic textile.