thermoplastic

adjective

ther·​mo·​plas·​tic ˌthər-mə-ˈpla-stik 

: capable of softening or fusing when heated and of hardening again when cooled

thermoplastic synthetic resins

compare thermosetting

thermoplastic noun

thermoplasticity

ˌthər-mə-ˌpla-ˈsti-sə-tē 

noun

Examples of thermoplastic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This metal punch press mold functions like slices of bread in a sandwich, stamping hot plastic sheets into lightweight thermoplastic aircraft doors. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026

The picnic set is composed of a wicker picnic basket, dining plates, soup bowls, utensils and four glasses in thermoplastic resin. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026

The thermoplastic rubber cuff puller makes for swift and even positioning. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

These sensory toys are often made of food-grade silicone or thermoplastic rubber for a smooth texture. — Parents, 4 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for thermoplastic

• anaplastic
• bioclastic
• fibroblastic
• hyperplastic
• hypoplastic
• inelastic
• lymphoblastic
• neoplastic
• orgiastic
• periphrastic
• predynastic
• pyroclastic

Kids Definition

thermoplastic

adjective

ther·​mo·​plas·​tic ˌthər-mə-ˈplas-tik 

: capable of softening or melting when heated and of hardening again when cooled

thermoplastic synthetic fibers

Medical Definition

thermoplastic

1 of 2 adjective

ther·​mo·​plas·​tic ˌthər-mə-ˈplas-tik 

: capable of softening or fusing when heated and of hardening again when cooled

thermoplastic synthetic resins

thermoplasticity

-ˌplas-ˈtis-ət-ē 

noun

plural thermoplasticities

thermoplastic

2 of 2 noun

: a thermoplastic material