First Known Use: 1632
Dictionary
1plastic
adjective plas·tic \ˈplas-tik\
: made or consisting of plastic
: not real or sincere
: capable of being made into different shapes
Full Definition of PLASTIC
2
a : capable of being molded or modeled <plastic clay> b : capable of adapting to varying conditions : pliable <ecologically plastic animals>
3
4
: made or consisting of a plastic
5
: capable of being deformed continuously and permanently in any direction without rupture
6
: of, relating to, or involving plastic surgery
7
: having a quality suggestive of mass-produced plastic goods; especially : artificial 4 <plastic smiles>
8
: relating to, characterized by, or exhibiting neural plasticity
See plastic defined for English-language learners
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Origin of PLASTIC
Latin plasticus of molding, from Greek plastikos, from plassein to mold, form
Related to PLASTIC
- Antonyms
- artless, genuine, natural, spontaneous, unaffected, uncontrived, unfeigned, unforced
Synonym Discussion of 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>.
2plastic
noun
: a light, strong substance that can be made into different shapes and that is used for making many common products
: a credit card when used for payment
Full Definition of PLASTIC
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
— plas·ticky \ˈplas-ti-kē\ adjective
See plastic defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PLASTIC
1905
PLASTIC Defined for Kids
1plastic
adjective plas·tic \ˈpla-stik\
Definition of PLASTIC for Kids
1
: made of plastic <plastic bags> <a plastic bucket>
2
: capable of being molded or modeled <plastic clay>
2plastic
noun
Definition of PLASTIC for Kids
: any of various manufactured materials that can be molded into objects or formed into films or fibers
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