plastic

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adjective plas·tic \ˈpla-stik\

Definition of plastic

1 : formative, creative plastic forces in nature
2a : capable of being molded or modeled plastic clayb : 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 3 plastic smiles
8 : relating to, characterized by, or exhibiting neural plasticity

See plastic defined for English-language learners

See plastic defined for kids

Examples of plastic in a Sentence

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

Origin and Etymology of plastic

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

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First Known Use: 1624

See Words from the same year

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

plastic

noun plas·tic

Definition of plastic

1 : a plastic substance; specifically : any of numerous organic synthetic or processed materials that are mostly thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers of high molecular weight and that can be made into objects, films, or filaments
2 : credit cards used for payment —called also plastic money

plasticky

play \ˈpla-sti-kē\ adjective

See plastic defined for English-language learners

Examples of plastic in a Sentence

The toy was made of plastic.
a company that manufactures plastics
She used plastic to pay for her new computer.

First Known Use of plastic

1803

-plastic

adjective combining form plas·tic

Definition of -plastic

1 : developing : forming thromboplastic
2 : of or relating to (something designated by a term ending in -plasm, -plast, -plasty, or -plasy) homoplastic neoplastic

Origin and Etymology of -plastic

Greek -plastikos, from plassein

PLASTIC Defined for English Language Learners

plastic

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adjective

Definition of plastic for English Language Learners

: made or consisting of plastic
: not real or sincere
: capable of being made into different shapes

plastic

noun

Definition of plastic for English Language Learners

: a light, strong substance that can be made into different shapes and that is used for making many common products
: a credit card when used for payment

PLASTIC Defined for Kids

plastic

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adjective plas·tic \ˈpla-stik\

Definition of plastic for Students

1 : made of plastic plastic bags a plastic bucket
2 : capable of being molded or modeled plastic clay

plastic

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noun plas·tic

Definition of plastic for Students

: any of various manufactured materials that can be molded into objects or formed into films or fibers

Medical Dictionary

plastic

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adjective plas·tic \ˈplas-tik\

Medical Definition of plastic

1: made or consisting of a plastic
2: capable of being deformed continuously and permanently in any direction without breaking or tearing
3a: capable of growth, repair, or differentiation a plastic tissueb: relating to, characterized by, or exhibiting neural plasticity
4: of, relating to, or involving plastic surgery plastic repair

plastic

noun plas·tic

Medical Definition of plastic

1: a plastic substance; specifically : any of numerous organic synthetic or processed materials that are mostly thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers of high molecular weight and that can be made into objects, films, or filaments
2: an object made of plastic