plastic

¹plas·tic

adj \ˈplas-tik\

Definition of PLASTIC

1

: formative, creative <plastic forces in nature>

2

a : capable of being molded or modeled <plastic clay> b : capable of adapting to varying conditions : pliable <ecologically plastic animals>

3

: sculptural

4

: made or consisting of a plastic

5

: capable of being deformed continuously and permanently in any direction without rupture

6

: of, relating to, or involving plastic surgery

7

: having a quality suggestive of mass-produced plastic goods; especially : artificial 4 <plastic smiles>

8

: relating to, characterized by, or exhibiting neural plasticity

Examples of PLASTIC

1. <Silly Putty is famous for being very plastic.>
2. <there's usually a plastic cordiality at these corporate events>

Origin of PLASTIC

Latin plasticus of molding, from Greek plastikos, from plassein to mold, form

First Known Use: 1632

Related to PLASTIC

Synonyms: malleable, moldable, shapable (or shapeable), waxy

Antonyms: artless, genuine, natural, spontaneous, unaffected, uncontrived, unfeigned, unforced

Related Words: adaptable; bendable, bendy [chiefly British], ductile, pliable, pliant, supple, waxen, willowy; elastic, flexible, flexile, limber, resilient, workable; bending, giving, kneadable, tractable, yielding

Near Antonyms: inflexible, intractable, rigid, stiff

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Synonym Discussion of PLASTIC

plastic, pliable, pliant, ductile, malleable, adaptable mean susceptible of being modified in form or nature. plastic applies to substances soft enough to be molded yet capable of hardening into the desired fixed form <plastic materials allow the sculptor greater freedom>. pliable suggests something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated <pliable rubber tubing>. pliant may stress flexibility and sometimes connote springiness <an athletic shoe with a pliant sole>. ductile applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease <ductile metals such as copper>. malleable applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape <the malleable properties of gold>. adaptable implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses <computer hardware that is adaptable>.

Rhymes with PLASTIC

drastic, mastic, nastic, spastic