thermoplastic

[ thur-muh-plas-tik ]

/ ˌθɜr məˈplæs tɪk /

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adjective

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

noun

a plastic of this type.

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Origin of thermoplastic

First recorded in 1880–85; thermo- + plastic

OTHER WORDS FROM thermoplastic

ther·mo·plas·tic·i·ty

[thur-moh-pla-stis-i-tee], /ˌθɜr moʊ plæˈstɪs ɪ ti/, nounnon·ther·mo·plas·tic, adjective, noun

Words nearby thermoplastic

thermophile, thermophilic, thermophone, thermophosphorescence, thermopile, thermoplastic, Thermopylae, thermoreceptor, thermoregulation, thermoremanent magnetization, thermos

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use thermoplastic in a sentence

After sewing, manufacturers fuse thermoplastic tape with heat and pressure over the seams to prevent this.
Best packable rain jackets of 2022|Vanessa Nirode|July 30, 2022|Popular-Science
This stiff thermoplastic sheath serves a similar purpose of adding responsiveness and propulsion underfoot, yet with some added flexibility.
The Summer 2022 Carbon Trail Shoe Roundup|mmitchell|July 27, 2022|Outside Online
Made of thermoplastic polyurethane, it can absorb falls but doesn’t add bulk.
The best iPhone 13 cases for your new device|Stacey L. Nash|October 5, 2021|Popular-Science
It comes vet recommended and is made from a rugged thermoplastic polymer that is perfect for moderate and in most cases, severe chewers.
Best dog toys to keep your pet happy and healthy|Florie Korani|August 19, 2021|Popular-Science

British Dictionary definitions for thermoplastic

thermoplastic

/ (ˌθɜːməʊˈplæstɪk) /

adjective

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

noun

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

Derived forms of thermoplastic

thermoplasticity (ˌθɜːməʊplæˈstɪsɪtɪ), noun

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

Scientific definitions for thermoplastic

thermoplastic

[ thûr′mə-plăs′tĭk ]

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