plastic

1 of 3

noun

plas·​tic ˈpla-stik 

1

: a plastic substance

specifically : any of numerous organic synthetic or processed materials that are mostly thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers of high molecular weight and that can be made into objects, films, or filaments

2

: credit cards used for payment

called also plastic money

plasticky

ˈpla-sti-kē 

adjective

plastic

2 of 3

adjective

1

: made or consisting of a plastic

2

: having a quality suggestive of mass-produced plastic goods

especially : artificial sense 3

plastic smiles

3

a

: capable of being molded or modeled

plastic clay

b

: capable of adapting to varying conditions : pliable

ecologically plastic animals

4

: capable of being deformed continuously and permanently in any direction without rupture

5

: relating to, characterized by, or exhibiting neural plasticity

6

: of, relating to, or involving plastic surgery

7

: formative, creative

plastic forces in nature

8

: sculptural

-plastic

3 of 3

adjective combining form

1

: developing : forming

thromboplastic

2

: of or relating to (something designated by a term ending in -plasm, -plast, -plasty, or -plasy)

homoplastic

neoplastic

Synonyms

Adjective

• malleable
• moldable
• shapable
• shapeable
• waxy

Choose the Right Synonym for plastic

plastic, pliable, pliant, ductile, malleable, adaptable mean susceptible of being modified in form or nature.

plastic applies to substances soft enough to be molded yet capable of hardening into the desired fixed form.

plastic materials allow the sculptor greater freedom

pliable suggests something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated.

pliable rubber tubing

pliant may stress flexibility and sometimes connote springiness.

an athletic shoe with a pliant sole

ductile applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease.

ductile metals such as copper

malleable applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape.

the malleable properties of gold

adaptable implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses.

computer hardware that is adaptable

Examples of plastic in a Sentence

Noun

The toy was made of plastic.

a company that manufactures plastics

She used plastic to pay for her new computer.

Adjective

Silly Putty is famous for being very plastic.

there's usually a plastic cordiality at these corporate events

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The case marks the latest in a string of lawsuits by U.S. state and local governments and environmental advocates against companies that make and market plastics. —Nate Raymond, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024

There have been several other recent FDA recalls because foreign objects, such as glass, metal, plastic and bone, were found in food and medical products. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024

Adjective

The only bags permitted inside are clear plastic bags no larger than 12x1x6 inches and clutch purses no larger than 1x6x4. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 3 Nov. 2024

Fans can also bring one gallon-size clear plastic bag. —Holly V. Hays, The Indianapolis Star, 3 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin plasticus of molding, from Greek plastikos, from plassein to mold, form

Adjective combining form

Greek -plastikos, from plassein

First Known Use

Noun

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 7

Phrases Containing plastic

• expanded plastic
• foamed plastic
• plastic art
• plastic explosive
• plastic foam
• plastic money
• plastic surgeon
• plastic surgery
• plastic wrap

Kids Definition

plastic

1 of 2 adjective

plas·​tic ˈplas-tik 

1

: capable of being molded or modeled

plastic clay

2

: marked by or using modeling

sculpture is a plastic art

3

: made or consisting of a plastic

plastic dishes

plastically

-ti-k(ə-)lē

adverb

plastic

2 of 2 noun

: a plastic substance

especially : any of numerous synthetic or processed materials that can be formed into objects, films, or fibers

Medical Definition

plastic

1 of 2 adjective

plas·​tic ˈplas-tik 

1

: made or consisting of a plastic

2

: capable of being deformed continuously and permanently in any direction without breaking or tearing

3

a

: capable of growth, repair, or differentiation

a plastic tissue

b

: relating to, characterized by, or exhibiting neural plasticity

4

: of, relating to, or involving plastic surgery

plastic repair

plastic

2 of 2 noun

1

: a plastic substance

specifically : any of numerous organic synthetic or processed materials that are mostly thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers of high molecular weight and that can be made into objects, films, or filaments

2

: an object made of plastic