plasticize

verb

plas·​ti·​cize ˈpla-stə-ˌsīz How to pronounce plasticize (audio)
plasticized; plasticizing

transitive verb

1
: to make plastic
2
: to treat with a plastic
a plasticized mattress cover
plasticization noun

Examples of plasticize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web These days lignin has become cost-effective for 3D printing or adhesives, and it can be plasticized or used to reinforce other bioplastics. Troy Farah, Ars Technica, 20 Jan. 2020 But there is also a chance that this ends up plasticizing a movement that was raw and powerful and eye-opening (not to mention disdained by owners who wanted to keep a certain brand of politics away from their business). Conor Orr, SI.com, 19 Aug. 2019 The tunnel, with a diameter of about 10 inches, was made of plasticized concrete. WSJ, 7 Dec. 2018 New Yorkers welcomed speckled Asian pears; papaya with its lode of dripping black seeds; rough-skinned litchi disclosing creamy white flesh; knobby cherimoya with guts of custard; star fruit with its sharp angles and plasticized shine. New York Times, 16 Apr. 2018 But the team succeeded in finding a suitable binder to create the first ever plasticized thermite. David Hambling, Popular Mechanics, 13 Apr. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'plasticize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of plasticize was in 1919

Dictionary Entries Near plasticize

Cite this Entry

“Plasticize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plasticize. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

plasticize

transitive verb
plas·​ti·​cize
variants or British plasticise
plasticized or British plasticised; plasticizing or British plasticising
1
: to make plastic
2
: to treat with a plastic
plasticization noun
or British plasticisation
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