thermoplastic

American  

[thur-muh-plas-tik] / ˌθɜr məˈplæs tɪk /

adjective

1. soft and pliable when heated, as some plastics, without any change of the inherent properties.

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noun

1. a plastic of this type.

thermoplastic British  

/ ˌθɜːməʊplæˈstɪsɪtɪ, ˌθɜːməʊˈplæstɪk /

adjective

1. (of a material, esp a synthetic plastic or resin) becoming soft when heated and rehardening on cooling without appreciable change of properties Compare thermosetting

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noun

1. a synthetic plastic or resin, such as polystyrene, with these properties

thermoplastic Scientific  

/ thûr′mə-plăs′tĭk /

1. Of or relating to a compound that can be repeatedly made soft and hard through heating and cooling. Polyethylene and polystyrene are thermoplastic resins.

2. Compare thermosetting

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Other Word Forms

• nonthermoplastic
  adjective
• thermoplasticity
  noun

Etymology

Origin of thermoplastic

First recorded in 1880–85; thermo- + plastic

Example Sentences

A recent study demonstrates that soft skin pads doubling as sensors made from thermoplastic urethane can be efficiently manufactured using 3D printers.

From Science Daily • Apr. 17, 2024

The thermoplastic polyurethane rubber-shelled boots are straight out of a world like Roger Rabbit’s, where the lines between cartoons and humans are blurred.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2023

They applied thermoplastic polyurethanes, an elastic plastic commonly found in phone and laptop cases, so the fingers could flex and squeeze objects.

From Washington Post • Feb. 11, 2023

In Renton, new robotic cells automate the manufacture of thermoplastic parts from carbon fiber composites.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 20, 2022

Local residents created a petition — titled “Stop the plastic park!” — for real flowers and natural landscaping instead of the harsh colors of the thermoplastic mural.

From New York Times • Mar. 20, 2021