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 Children's Environmental Health Network lists phthalates, a group of chemicals commonly called plasticizers that are suspected hormone disruptors, as an ingredient found in fragrances.
—
Erica Zurek, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2023
Celluloid depended on Taiwanese camphor as a solvent and plasticizer.
—Rebecca Altman, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2022
Additionally, the team also found 86 percent of the foods contained a plasticizer called DEHT, which was developed to replace phthalates, according to Edwards.
—Laura Reiley, Anchorage Daily News, 27 Oct. 2021
All of the foods the GWU researchers tested contained one or more phthalates or other plasticizer chemicals, according to the study, which received funding from foundations that promote liberal or left-leaning policies.
—Laura Reiley, Anchorage Daily News, 27 Oct. 2021
And back in March, a paper by an international team of scientists suggested that astronauts setting up a base on the Moon could use the urea in their urine as a plasticizer to create a concrete-like building material out of lunar soil.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 22 Sep. 2020
Then a 2004 study by Harvard health professor Robert Herrick identified the widespread use of PCBs as a plasticizer in caulk in schools built before 1980, estimating that as many as 14 million students and 26,000 schools could be affected.
—Author: Tammy Webber, Martha Irvine, Anchorage Daily News, 16 Oct. 2019
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Erica Zurek, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2023
Celluloid depended on Taiwanese camphor as a solvent and plasticizer.
—Rebecca Altman, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2022
Additionally, the team also found 86 percent of the foods contained a plasticizer called DEHT, which was developed to replace phthalates, according to Edwards.
—Laura Reiley, Anchorage Daily News, 27 Oct. 2021
All of the foods the GWU researchers tested contained one or more phthalates or other plasticizer chemicals, according to the study, which received funding from foundations that promote liberal or left-leaning policies.
—Laura Reiley, Anchorage Daily News, 27 Oct. 2021
And back in March, a paper by an international team of scientists suggested that astronauts setting up a base on the Moon could use the urea in their urine as a plasticizer to create a concrete-like building material out of lunar soil.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 22 Sep. 2020
Then a 2004 study by Harvard health professor Robert Herrick identified the widespread use of PCBs as a plasticizer in caulk in schools built before 1980, estimating that as many as 14 million students and 26,000 schools could be affected.
—Author: Tammy Webber, Martha Irvine, Anchorage Daily News, 16 Oct. 2019
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'plasticizer.' 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
1925, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near plasticizer
Cite this Entry
“Plasticizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plasticizer. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.
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Medical Definition
plasticizer
noun
plas·ti·ciz·er
variants
or British plasticiser
: a chemical added especially to rubbers and resins to impart flexibility, workability, or stretchability
More from Merriam-Webster on plasticizer
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about plasticizer
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