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

There are lights reflecting off his thermoplastic armor too, adding to the sense of something being there. —Rhett Allain, WIRED, 27 Dec. 2024

By applying heat to those areas once the knitting process was complete, the scientists caused the thermoplastic fibers to melt and then stiffen upon cooling. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 23 Dec. 2024

Bixby is globally renowned for delivering innovative and precise thermoplastic extrusion product development in spec and on time. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019

There's a thick thermoplastic urethane bumper that offers a nice grip, and a smooth polycarbonate frame. —Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

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