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

Adding to its innovation, the 'Monaco' integrates honeycomb thermoplastic heel technology, providing convenience by allowing natural motion without stiffness or rigidity, rubbing away material in other shoemakers usually. —Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

The bumper is made of thermoplastic elastomer and is slightly raised (though not enough to adequately protect the screen). —Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 28 Feb. 2025

But this one from Thule is excellent, with a thermoplastic polyurethane divider between its two compartments that prevents dirt, moisture, and odor from transferring from one side to the other. —Ryan Krogh, Outside Online, 5 Mar. 2025

Composite Structures The researchers tested this BLS design by 3D printing a sample made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU 95A). —New Atlas, 8 Mar. 2025

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