plasticity

noun

plas·​tic·​i·​ty pla-ˈsti-sə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being plastic

especially : capacity for being molded or altered

2

: the ability to retain a shape attained by pressure deformation

3

: the capacity of organisms with the same genotype to vary in developmental pattern, in phenotype, or in behavior according to varying environmental conditions

4

: the capacity for continuous alteration of the neural pathways and synapses of the living brain and nervous system in response to experience or injury

Synonyms of plasticity

• malleability
• flexibility

Examples of plasticity in a Sentence

we chose that type of clay for its greater plasticity

Recent Examples on the Web

The study adds to the literature showing that alcohol has detrimental effects on synaptic transmission, synaptic function, synaptic plasticity, and overall behavior by altering neurotransmitter release, receptor signaling, and gene expression in the brain. —Christopher Gardner, Hartford Courant, 16 Mar. 2026

Beige fat and metabolic plasticity Adding further complexity to fat’s role in weight loss are beige fat cells. —Claudio Villanueva, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2026

This specific ability to construct and manipulate symbols reflects the cognitive plasticity that enabled Homo sapiens to adapt and thrive, as per IFLScience. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 1 Mar. 2026

Neurogenesis, which is the birth and survival of new neurons, enhances brain plasticity — the ability of the brain to repair itself to maintain good cognitive function in the face of injury and the process of aging. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for plasticity

• basicity
• chronicity
• complicity
• cyclicity
• duplicity
• ethnicity
• facticity
• felicity
• helicity
• publicity
• rusticity
• simplicity

Kids Definition

plasticity

noun

plas·​tic·​i·​ty pla-ˈstis-ət-ē 

: the quality or state of being plastic

especially : capacity for being molded or changed in form or shape

Medical Definition

plasticity

noun

plas·​tic·​i·​ty pla-ˈstis-ət-ē 

plural plasticities

1

: the quality or state of being plastic

especially : capacity for being molded or altered

2

: the ability to retain a shape attained by pressure deformation

3

: the capacity of organisms with the same genotype to vary in developmental pattern, in phenotype, or in behavior according to varying environmental conditions

4

: the capacity for continuous alteration of the neural pathways and synapses of the living brain and nervous system in response to experience or injury that involves the formation of new pathways and synapses and the elimination or modification of existing ones