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plasticizer

American  
[plas-tuh-sahy-zer] / ˈplæs təˌsaɪ zər /

noun

  1. any of a group of substances that are used in plastics or other materials to impart viscosity, flexibility, softness, or other properties to the finished product.

  2. an admixture for making mortar or concrete workable with little water.


plasticizer British  
/ ˈplæstɪˌsaɪzə /

noun

  1. any of a number of substances added to materials in order to modify their physical properties. Their uses include softening and improving the flexibility of plastics and preventing dried paint coatings from becoming too brittle

"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

Etymology

Origin of plasticizer

First recorded in 1920–25; plasticize + -er 1


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.

See Examples For:

They know associated additive and plasticizer compunds — such as Bisphenol A and phthalates — have been linked to illness and disease in humans and animals.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 15, 2023

“The oil and the soybean plasticizer, they interact,” he said.

From Washington Post ● Jul. 18, 2021

As concerns mount over people’s exposure to the plasticizer bisphenol A in everyday products, it’s also contaminating the air near manufacturing plants: U.S. companies emitted about 26 tons of the hormone-disrupting compound in 2013.

From Scientific American ● Oct. 14, 2014

BPA, a hormone-disrupting plasticizer used in food-can linings and bottles, has been linked to heart disease, reproductive problems, behavioural problems and cancers.

From Nature ● Apr. 4, 2012

I didn't have a chance to say a thing before he bellowed at me, "Mr. Saddle, do you know what a plasticizer is?"

From The Professional Approach by John Schoenherr

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