Main Entry:

¹plas·tic

Pronunciation:

\ˈplas-tik\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

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

Date:

1632

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: sculptural4: made or consisting of a plastic5: capable of being deformed continuously and permanently in any direction without rupture6: of, relating to, or involving plastic surgery7: having a quality suggestive of mass-produced plastic goods ; especially : artificial 4 <plastic smiles>8: relating to, characterized by, or exhibiting neural plasticity

synonyms 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>.