What term is used to describe the ability of an object to return to its original shape after being stretched or compressed?

The term that describes the ability of an object to return to its original shape after being stretched or compressed is "elastic." An elastic material can undergo deformation when force is applied, and once the force is removed, it will revert to its original form. This characteristic is essential in many applications, such as in rubber bands or springs, where flexibility and recovery are crucial for their function.

In contrast, rigid materials do not easily change shape under stress, while brittle materials tend to break or shatter rather than deform. Inflexible materials cannot bend or change shape easily at all, which is fundamentally different from elastic materials that have a defined capacity for stretching and compressing while still being able to return to their original state.