Plastic

Definition

The term "plastic" refers to a synthetic or semi-synthetic material made from polymers, which can be molded or shaped when soft and hardened into a fixed form. It can also describe flexibility or adaptability.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈplæs.tɪk/
• Respelling: PLAS-tik

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈplæs.tɪk/
• Respelling: PLAS-tik

Etymology

The word "plastic" originates from the Latin "plasticus," derived from the Greek "plastikos," meaning "fit for molding" or "capable of being shaped." It entered English in the 17th century as an adjective before being applied to synthetic materials in the early 20th century.

Derivatives

• Plasticity (noun)
• Plastically (adverb)
• Plasticize (verb)
• Plastics (noun, plural)
• Bioplastic (noun)

Synonyms

• Polymer
• Malleable
• Flexible

Antonyms

• Rigid
• Stiff
• Brittle

Usage

The word "plastic" is commonly used to refer to everyday materials like packaging, containers, or synthetic products. For example: "The bottle is made of plastic," or "She appreciates the plastic arts for their creativity."

Related Terms

• Polymer: A chemical compound used as the base material for plastics.
• Recycling: The process of converting waste plastic into reusable materials.
• Thermoplastic: A type of plastic that can be reshaped with heat.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A synthetic material made from polymers: Refers to a versatile material used for manufacturing various products.
  • Example: "The toy is made from durable plastic."
• Credit or debit cards (informal): Used colloquially to describe financial cards.
  • Example: "She paid with plastic instead of cash."

Adjective

• Relating to synthetic materials: Describes objects or products made of plastic.
  • Example: "They use plastic utensils for picnics."
• Capable of being molded or shaped: Refers to flexibility in physical or metaphorical contexts.
  • Example: "Clay is a plastic material in sculpture."
• Artificial or superficial: Used to describe something that lacks authenticity.
  • Example: "Her smile felt plastic and insincere."