plasticize

verb

plas·​ti·​cize ˈpla-stə-ˌsīz How to pronounce plasticize (audio)
plasticized; plasticizing

transitive verb

1
: to make plastic
2
: to treat with a plastic
a plasticized mattress cover
plasticization noun

Examples of plasticize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These days lignin has become cost-effective for 3D printing or adhesives, and it can be plasticized or used to reinforce other bioplastics. Troy Farah, Ars Technica, 20 Jan. 2020 But there is also a chance that this ends up plasticizing a movement that was raw and powerful and eye-opening (not to mention disdained by owners who wanted to keep a certain brand of politics away from their business). Conor Orr, SI.com, 19 Aug. 2019 The tunnel, with a diameter of about 10 inches, was made of plasticized concrete. WSJ, 7 Dec. 2018 New Yorkers welcomed speckled Asian pears; papaya with its lode of dripping black seeds; rough-skinned litchi disclosing creamy white flesh; knobby cherimoya with guts of custard; star fruit with its sharp angles and plasticized shine. New York Times, 16 Apr. 2018 But the team succeeded in finding a suitable binder to create the first ever plasticized thermite. David Hambling, Popular Mechanics, 13 Apr. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of plasticize was in 1919

Dictionary Entries Near plasticize

Cite this Entry

“Plasticize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plasticize. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

plasticize

transitive verb
plas·​ti·​cize
variants or British plasticise
plasticized or British plasticised; plasticizing or British plasticising
1
: to make plastic
2
: to treat with a plastic
plasticization noun
or British plasticisation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!