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plastic

plas·tic

plastic

 
 
pronunciation:
plae stihk
parts of speech:
noun, adjective
features:
Word Combinations (noun), Word History, Word Builder, Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: noun
definition: an artificial substance made from certain kinds of chemicals that can be easily shaped when soft. Plastic is formed into many materials and products.
The table looks like wood but is made out of plastic.
 
similar words:
Styrofoam, synthetic
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: adjective
definition 1: made of plastic.
A plastic cup will not break as easily as a glass one.
definition 2: able to be easily shaped or molded.
The clay had been left out to dry, and was no longer plastic.
synonyms:
moldable
antonyms:
rigid, stiff
similar words:
bendable, flexible, supple
definition 3: not honest or genuine in character; fake.
The computer salesman gave me a plastic smile.
synonyms:
artificial, fake
antonyms:
genuine
similar words:
insincere, unnatural
Word History
Plastic comes from plastikos, an ancient Greek word that means "able to be molded." This was its meaning for about three hundred years, until the development of materials called "plastics" in the early 1900s.
Word Builder: plastic +
  • plastic wrap:
    wrap made of plastic, used to cover food.
  • plastic bag:
    a bag made of plastic.
Word Explorer
See
  character, chemistry, furniture, personality, tree
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