I. ˈplas-tər noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English, from Latin emplastrum, from Greek emplastron, from emplassein to plaster on, from en- + plassein to mold, plaster; perhaps akin to Latin planus level, flat — more at floor
Date: before 12th century
1. : a medicated or protective dressing that consists of a film (as of cloth or plastic) spread with a usually medicated substance
adhesive plaster
broadly : something applied to heal and soothe
2. : a pasty composition (as of lime, water, and sand) that hardens on drying and is used for coating walls, ceilings, and partitions
• plas·tery -t(ə-)rē adjective
II. verb
( plas·tered ; plas·ter·ing -t(ə-)riŋ)
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1. : to overlay or cover with plaster : coat
2. : to apply a plaster to
3.
a. : to cover over or conceal as if with a coat of plaster
b. : to apply as a coating or incrustation
c. : to smooth down with a sticky or shiny substance
plaster ed his hair down
4. : to fasten or apply tightly to another surface
5. : to treat with plaster of paris
6. : to affix to or place on especially conspicuously or in quantity
7. : to inflict heavy damage or loss on especially by a concentrated or unremitting attack
intransitive verb
: to apply plaster
• plas·ter·er -tər-ər noun