Main Entry: ¹plas·ter

Pronunciation: \ˈplas-tər\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English, from Latin emplastrum, from Greek emplastron, from emplassein to plaster on, from en- + plassein to mold, plaster; perhaps akin to Latin planus level, flat — more at floor

Date: before 12th century

1 : a medicated or protective dressing that consists of a film (as of cloth or plastic) spread with a usually medicated substance <adhesive plaster>; broadly : something applied to heal and soothe
2 : a pasty composition (as of lime, water, and sand) that hardens on drying and is used for coating walls, ceilings, and partitions

— plas·tery \-t(ə-)rē\ adjective