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 fats or acids in the oily chicken skin and marinades can further increase the migration of plasticizers and other chemicals. —Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025

These chemicals — including plasticizers called phthalates and flame retardants — have a chance of inducing neurological and reproductive problems, asthma, hormone disruption, and cancer. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025

Decades-long campaigns have sought to ban phthalates and plasticizers in children’s toys and furniture, with limited success. —Saul Elbein, The Hill, 15 Apr. 2025

Last November, a jacket from Temu was found to have phthalate plasticizers, lead and cadmium levels up to hundreds of times over the legal limit. —Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 8 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for plasticizer

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

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