n. & adj.
--n.
1. any of a number of synthetic polymeric substances that can be given any required shape.
2 (attrib.) made of plastic (plastic bag).
--adj.
1. capable of being moulded; pliant; supple.
2 moulding or giving form to clay, wax, etc.
3 Biol. exhibiting an adaptability to environmental changes.
4 (esp. in philosophy) formative, creative.
Phrases and idioms:
plastic arts art forms involving modelling or moulding, e.g. sculpture and ceramics, or art involving the representation of solid objects with three-dimensional effects. plastic bomb a bomb containing plastic explosive. plastic explosive a putty-like explosive capable of being moulded by hand. plastic surgeon a qualified practitioner of plastic surgery. plastic surgery the process of reconstructing or repairing parts of the body by the transfer of tissue, either in the treatment of injury or for cosmetic reasons.
Derivatives:
plastically adv. plasticity n. plasticize v.tr. (also -ise). plasticization n. plasticizer n. plasticky adj.
Etymology: F plastique or L plasticus f. Gk plastikos f. plasso mould