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Elastane
Spandex, Lycra or elastane is a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity. It is stronger and more durable than natural rubber. It is a polyether-polyurea copolymer that was invented in 1958 by chemist Joseph Shivers at DuPont’s Benger Laboratory in Waynesboro, Virginia. When introduced in 1962, it revolutionized many areas of the clothing industry.
The name “spandex” is an anagram of the word “expands”. It is the preferred name in North America; in continental Europe it is referred to by variants of “elastane”, i.e. élasthanne (France), Elastan (Germany), elastano (Spain), elastam (Italy) and elastaan (Netherlands), and is known in the UK, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and Israel primarily as Lycra. Brand names for spandex include Lycra (made by Koch subsidiary Invista, previously a part of DuPont), Elaspan (also Invista), Acepora (Taekwang), Creora (Hyosung), INVIYA (Indorama Corporation), ROICA and Dorlastan (Asahi Kasei), Linel (Fillattice), and ESPA (Toyobo).
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Elastane (noun)
Spandex.
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Elastic (adjective)
Capable of stretching; particularly, capable of stretching so as to return to an original shape or size when force is released.
“The rope is somewhat elastic, so expect it to give when you pull on it.”
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Elastic (adjective)
Made of elastic.
“elastic band”
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Elastic (adjective)
Of clothing, elasticated.
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Elastic (adjective)
Sensitive to changes in price.
“Demand for entertainment is more elastic than demand for energy.”
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Elastic (adjective)
springy; bouncy; vivacious
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Elastic (adjective)
Able to return quickly to a former state or condition, after being depressed or overtaxed; having power to recover easily from shocks and trials.
“elastic spirits; an elastic constitution”
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Elastic (noun)
An elastic material used in clothing, particularly in waistbands and cuffs.
“Running shorts use elastic to eliminate the need for a belt.”
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Elastic (noun)
An elastic band.
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Elastane (noun)
an elastic polyurethane material, used for hosiery, underwear, and other close-fitting clothing.