Plastic
'plæs.tɪk
Definitions
3 meaningsA synthetic material made from a wide range of organic polymers such as polyethylene, PVC, nylon, etc., that can be molded into shape while soft and then set into a rigid or slightly elastic form. This includes various products like bags, containers, and bottles.
'plæs.tɪk
A synthetic material made from polymers
The toy is made of durable plastic.
💡 Simply: Imagine a material that can be shaped and molded into different forms, like the toys and containers all around us. Think of a container you can make into whatever size.
👶 For kids: A material that can be shaped when it's soft and then becomes hard, like a toy or bottle.
More Examples
Many bottles are made of plastic to keep liquids safe.
Recycling reduces the amount of plastic waste in landfills.
How It's Used
"The factory produces a variety of plastic products."
"Plastic pollution is a major environmental concern."
Made of plastic; relating to or made of plastic material.
'plæs.tɪk
Made of plastic
She used a plastic spoon.
💡 Simply: Describes something that is made of the moldable, synthetic stuff we call plastic. Like plastic forks, or plastic toys.
👶 For kids: Something that is made of the stuff that can be shaped and becomes hard.
More Examples
He wrapped the food in plastic wrap.
They chose a plastic chair for the patio.
How It's Used
"She bought a plastic container for her leftovers."
"The store offers plastic bags."
Capable of being molded or shaped; easily influenced or changed; adaptable. This is used more figuratively.
'plæs.tɪk
Easily shaped or molded; adaptable
The sculptor used plastic clay to create his masterpiece.
💡 Simply: Describes something that can be changed or adapted easily, like modeling clay that you can shape and reshape. It's about being flexible and able to be reshaped or changed.
👶 For kids: Being able to change your mind easily; something that can be molded and changed.
More Examples
The brain's plastic nature allows it to adapt to new experiences.
Young children have a more plastic view of the world.
How It's Used
"The brain shows remarkable plastic changes after a stroke."
"The artist used plastic materials to create her sculptures."
Idioms & expressions
plastic arts
Art forms that involve the molding or shaping of three-dimensional objects, such as sculpture, ceramics, and architecture.
"The museum showcased a collection of plastic arts."
From Greek *plastikos* (moulded, formed), from *plassein* (to mold). Originally referred to moldable materials, later to synthetic polymers.
The term 'plastic' was used in the early 20th century to describe the new synthetic materials being developed.
Memory tip
Think of the ability to mold and reshape items, like Play-Doh. P-L-A-S-T-I-C is like Play-Like-A-Shape-That-Is-Changed
Word Origin
"fit for molding"