acrylic
Americanadjective
noun
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a paint, prepared especially for artists, in which an acrylic resin serves as a vehicle.
-
a painting done with this type of paint.
She sold several acrylics during the show.
adjective
noun
-
short for acrylic fibre acrylic resin
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a paint or colour containing acrylic resin
-
An acrylic resin.
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A paint containing acrylic resin.
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An acrylic fiber.
Etymology
Origin of acrylic
First recorded in 1855–60; acr(olein) + -yl + -ic
Explanation
Acrylic is a kind of plastic, fabric, fiber, or paint that's made from acrylic acid. You might knit your mom an acrylic hat if she's allergic to wool. Anything made of acrylic is synthetic — it's not a natural substance or fiber, but was made in a lab or factory from artificial materials. Acrylic paint is a quick-drying, water-soluble kind of paint that artists often use instead of oil paint or watercolors. The original meaning of acrylic was "containing acryl," from acrolein, the sharp, bitter liquid in onions, rooted in the Latin words acer, "sharp," and olere, "to smell."
Vocabulary lists containing acrylic
Visual Arts - Introductory
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Visual Arts - High School
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Art History
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As a novelty purchase, the Light Up Acrylic Message Board is finding success on TikTok Shop, selling over 127,0000 items.
From Salon • Dec. 17, 2024
Marbrasse Acrylic Pen Holder $31 This clear plastic organizer rotates 360 degrees and can hold pens, pencils, crayons, and all sorts of other stuff.
From The Verge • Aug. 5, 2022
Acrylic colors are like makeup — the foundation and lipstick, the mascara and rouge, the wig and jewels.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 25, 2022
Acrylic folding chairs are a great way to add inexpensive but functional seating, Dormer says.
From Washington Post • May 10, 2022
Lower down, the conclusion may be slightly obscure, but it’s not sanguine: “In Clear Acrylic Polymer.”
From New York Times • Jun. 29, 2017
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
