I. ˈplas-tik adjective
Etymology: Latin plasticus of molding, from Greek plastikos, from plassein to mold, form
Date: 1632
1. : formative , creative
plastic forces in nature
2.
a. : capable of being molded or modeled
plastic clay
b. : capable of adapting to varying conditions : pliable
ecologically plastic 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 ; especially : artificial 4
plastic smiles
8. : relating to, characterized by, or exhibiting neural plasticity
Synonyms:
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
adaptable implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses
computer hardware that is adaptable
II. noun
Date: 1905
1. : a plastic substance ; specifically : 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 — called also plastic money
• plas·ticky ˈplas-ti-kē adjective