[plas.tic] adj [L plasticus of molding, fr. Gk plastikos, fr. plassein to mold, form] (1632) 1: formative, creative "~ forces in nature"
2. a: capable of being molded or modeled "~ clay" b: capable of adapting to varying conditions: pliable "ecologically ~ animals"
3: sculptural
4: made or consisting of a plastic
5: capable of being deformed continuously and permanently in any direction without rupture
6: of, relating to, or involving plastic surgery 7: having a quality suggestive of mass-produced plastic goods; esp: artificial
4. "~ smiles" syn plastic, pliable, pliant, ductile, malleable, adaptable mean susceptible of being modified in form or nature. plastic applies to substances soft enough to be molded yet capable of hardening into the desired fixed form "plastic materials allow the sculptor greater freedom". pliable suggests something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated "pliable rubber tubing". pliant may stress flexibility and sometimes connote springiness "an athletic shoe with a pliant sole". ductile applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease "ductile metals such as copper". malleable applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape "the malleable properties of gold enhance its value". adaptable implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses "computer hardware that is adaptable".
[2]plastic n (1905) 1: a plastic substance; specif: any of numerous organic synthetic or processed materials that are mostly thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers of high molecular weight and that can be made into objects, films, or filaments
2: credit cards used for payment -- plas.ticky adj