plastic
[ plas-tik ]
/ ˈplæs tɪk /
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noun
adjective
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Origin of plastic
OTHER WORDS FROM plastic
plas·ti·cal·ly, plas·tic·ly, adverbnon·plas·tic, adjective, nounun·plas·tic, adjectiveWords nearby plastic
Definition for plastic (2 of 2)
-plastic
a combining form occurring in chloroplastic; protoplastic.
Origin of -plastic
see origin at plastic
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for plastic
British Dictionary definitions for plastic (1 of 2)
plastic
/ (ˈplæstɪk, ˈplɑːs-) /
noun
any one of a large number of synthetic usually organic materials that have a polymeric structure and can be moulded when soft and then set, esp such a material in a finished state containing plasticizer, stabilizer, filler, pigments, etc. Plastics are classified as thermosetting (such as Bakelite) or thermoplastic (such as PVC) and are used in the manufacture of many articles and in coatings, artificial fibres, etcCompare resin (def. 2)
short for plastic money
adjective
Derived forms of plastic
plastically, adverbWord Origin for plastic
C17: from Latin plasticus relating to moulding, from Greek plastikos, from plassein to form
British Dictionary definitions for plastic (2 of 2)
-plastic
adj combining form
growing or formingneoplastic
Word Origin for -plastic
from Greek plastikos; see plastic
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for plastic (1 of 2)
plastic
[ plăs′tĭk ]
adj.
Capable of being shaped or formed.
Easily influenced; impressionable.
Capable of building tissue; formative.
n.
Any of various organic compounds produced by polymerization, capable of being molded, extruded, cast into various shapes and films, or drawn into filaments used as textile fibers.
Other words from plastic
plas•tic′i•ty (plăs-tĭs′ĭ-tē) n.Medical definitions for plastic (2 of 2)
-plastic
suff.
Forming; growing; changing; developing:neoplastic.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for plastic
plastic
[ plăs′tĭk ]
Noun
Any of numerous substances that can be shaped and molded when subjected to heat or pressure. Plastics are easily shaped because they consist of long-chain molecules known as polymers, which do not break apart when flexed. Plastics are usually artificial resins but can also be natural substances, as in certain cellular derivatives and shellac. Plastics can be pressed into thin layers, formed into objects, or drawn into fibers for use in textiles. Most do not conduct electricity well, are low in density, and are often very tough. Polyvinyl chloride, methyl methacrylate, and polystyrene are plastics. See more at thermoplastic thermosetting.
Adjective
Capable of being molded or formed into a shape.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.