plasticizer

noun

plas·​ti·​ciz·​er ˈpla-stə-ˌsī-zər 

: one that plasticizes

specifically : a chemical added especially to rubbers and resins to impart flexibility, workability, or stretchability

Examples of plasticizer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The researchers addressed this by adding a plasticizer. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Dec. 2025

These included flame retardants, plasticizers and combustion byproducts from smoking, fires and vehicle emissions. — Knowable Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 July 2025

Compared to other toxins in the environment like plasticizers and pesticides, outdoor air pollution is the most harmful type based on current evidence causing millions of deaths per year. — Matt Fuchs, Time, 10 Sep. 2025

Among the chemicals identified were benzyl chloride, a compound used in the production of sanitizers and plasticizers that is possibly carcinogenic and can cause harm to the lungs and digestive tract. — Claretta Bellamy, NBC news, 12 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for plasticizer

• advertiser
• analyser
• analyzer
• appetizer
• atomizer
• breathalyzer
• colonizer
• digitizer
• equalizer
• fertilizer
• localizer
• merchandiser

Medical Definition

plasticizer

noun

plas·​ti·​ciz·​er

variants or British plasticiser

ˈplas-tə-ˌsī-zər 

: a chemical added especially to rubbers and resins to impart flexibility, workability, or stretchability