plastic

noun

plas·tic | \ ˈpla-stik

Definition of plastic

(Entry 1 of 3)

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

plastic

adjective

Definition of plastic (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : made or consisting of a plastic

2 : having a quality suggestive of mass-produced plastic goods especially : artificial sense 3 plastic smiles

3a : capable of being molded or modeled plastic clay

b : capable of adapting to varying conditions : pliable ecologically plastic animals

4 : capable of being deformed continuously and permanently in any direction without rupture

5 : relating to, characterized by, or exhibiting neural plasticity

6 : of, relating to, or involving plastic surgery

7 : formative, creative plastic forces in nature

8 : sculptural

-plastic

adjective combining form

Definition of -plastic (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : developing : forming thromboplastic

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

Other Words from plastic Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about plastic

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Choose the Right Synonym for plastic

Adjective

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

Examples of plastic in a Sentence

Noun

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

Adjective

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

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Services will include gastroenterology, orthopedic surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, podiatry, urology, sports health, hand surgery, gynecology and breast surgery. — Ron Hurtibise, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Cleveland Clinic readies new $53 million Coral Springs Family Health Center," 13 July 2018 Traffic was diverted off at Indiana 2 at the Lowell exit as the rolls of plastic and the tractor were removed from I-65, the release states. — Becky Jacobs, Post-Tribune, "Semi driver distracted by bug spills 42,000 pounds of plastic on I-65 near Lowell," 12 July 2018 The global cashless movement has reached Washington, where a growing number of fast-casual and other establishments are saying no to greenbacks in favor of plastic and mobile payments. — Fenit Nirappil, Washington Post, "As restaurants go cashless, a backlash is building. Will D.C. intervene?," 9 July 2018 Troll for trout, throw plastics and crankbaits for bass or toss small jigs and crankbaits tipped with worms or cut bait to tempt bluegill, crappie and perch. — Jordan Rodriguez, idahostatesman, "Warm Lake offers chance to beat the heat, catch some fish near Cascade," 9 July 2018 The cleanups are aimed at preventing plastic and other pollution from washing into the Pacific Ocean. — Joshua Emerson Smith, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Hundreds turn out for post-Fourth of July beach cleanup — most volunteers but some working off holiday infractions," 6 July 2018 Compostable paper and plastic straws are allowed under the ban. — Cleve R. Wootson Jr., chicagotribune.com, "Seattle becomes first major U.S. city to ban straws," 2 July 2018 Reds will hit cut ladyfish, spoons, jigs and soft plastic jerkbaits. — Mark Blythe, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Central Florida fishing forecast: July 16," 15 July 2018 In its usual format, doubles teams use wood or polymer paddles to hit a plastic ball similar to a wiffle ball. — Gary Gibula, Naperville Sun, "Naperville answering demand for pickleball with new courts at Nike Complex, Southwest Park," 14 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

During a traffic stop, officers noticed a plastic bag with a white substance inside the center console after Neally opened it to retrieve his insurance information, police said. — Elizabeth Owens-schiele, chicagotribune.com, "Buffalo Grove police: Man faces charges after traffic stop turns up cocaine, marijuana," 13 July 2018 As of about a month ago, Bongiorno said, plastic bags are no longer accepted by the recycling processor facilities with which the county contracts. — Jordan Cutler-tietjen, sacbee, "Do you take recycling seriously? Here's how Sacramento's waste rules are changing," 10 July 2018 Tariffs by Canada, which took effect July 1, affect some $659 million worth of Texas goods, including products for oil and gas drilling, plastic bags and refrigerator-freezers with separate doors. — Lynn Brezosky, San Antonio Express-News, "Trade spats ‘new norm’ for sorghum growers, nail biter for Texas manufacturers," 6 July 2018 Related to parsley, celery will stay fresh in a plastic bag for a week in the refrigerator. — Heloise, Houston Chronicle, "Celebrate celery!," 4 July 2018 According to a police report, 395 grams of fentanyl were seized, along with 137 grams of heroin, 27 grams of cocaine, 15 plastic bags of crack, six bags of marijuana, and 368 grams of an as-yet unidentified powder. — Felicia Gans, BostonGlobe.com, "13 arrested in Boston drug raids," 3 July 2018 According to another probable cause affidavit, cops saw a man cycle up to Johnson's front door, get a plastic bag from Johnson as the door burped open and closed, then pedal away. — David J. Neal, miamiherald, "They came for a man accused of fathering a 14-year old's baby. They found something more," 3 July 2018 The company and its product, marketed as a sustainable and convenient alternative to plastic bags, were born out of necessity. — Ethan Millman, latimes.com, "How one couple turned grocery bagging into a fast-growing business," 29 June 2018 The entertainer sat front row in a white jumpsuit and chicly displayed her belongings in a clear plastic bag, courtesy of LV. — Liana Satenstein, Vogue, "The 12 Best Fashion Instagrams of the Week: Rihanna Hops on the Clear Bag Trend, Lil Miquela Wears a Suit, and More," 23 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'plastic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.