plastic

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>.

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