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The quality of being elastic; the inherent property in bodies by which they recover their former figure or dimensions, after the removal of external pressure or altering force; springiness; tendency to rebound; as, the elasticity of caoutchouc; the elasticity of the air.

Internal or inherent power; capacity of acting, operating, or producing an effect, whether exerted or not; as, men possessing energies may suffer them to lie inactive. The great energies of nature are known to us only by their effects. Paley.

Adherence to evangelical doctrines; evangelism. G. Eliot.

External; outward; not inherent. [Obs.] Shak.

Firm in adherence to promises, oaths, contracts, treaties, or other engagements. The faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him. Deut. vii. 9.

See Furtherence.

Firm in adherence; steadfast; not easily separated or alienated; faithful; as, a fast friend.

Faithfulness; adherence to right; careful and exact observance of duty, or discharge of obligations. Especially:

easily changed in feelings or will; strong; as, a firm believer; a firm friend; a firm adherent. Under spread ensigns, moving nigh, in slow But firm battalion. Milton. By one man's firm obediency fully tried. Milton.

Coherence of parts. Sir I. Newton.

One's followers, adherents, or dependents, collectively. Macaulay.

wth and repair of the tissues. -- Vital force (Physiol.), that force or power which is inherent in organization; that form of energy which is the cause of the vital phenomena of the body, as distinguished from the physical forces generally known.

The practice or the doctrine of strict adherence to, or dependence on, external forms, esp. in matters of religion. Official formalism. Sir H. Rawlinson.

An adherent to, and supporter of, Gallicanism. Shipley.

12th and 13th centuries, which favored the German emperors, and opposed the Guelfs, or adherents of the poses. Brande & C.

the divine testimone passively recived by the understanding." The English and American adherents of this faith are called Sandemanians, after Robert Sandeman, the son-in-law and disciple of Glass.

Of or pertaining to Gnosticism or its adherents; as, the Gnostic heresy.

Inherent excellence; any endowment or characteristic fitted to win favor or confer pleasure or benefit. He is complete in feature and in mind. With all good grace to grace a gentleman. Shak. I have formerly given the general character of Mr. Addison's style and manner as natural and unaffected, easy and polite, and ful…

Naked-fruited, the fruit either smooth or not adherent to the perianth. Gray.

To accept, as an opinion; to be the adherent of, openly or privately; to persist in, as a purpose; to maintain; to sustain. Stand fast and hold the traditions which ye have been taught. 2 Thes. ii.15. But still he held his purpose to depart. Dryden.