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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: any of numerous synthetic substances, usu. organic polymers, that can be easily shaped when soft and then hardened, and that are widely used as industrial and domestic materials and finished products.
 
similar words:
polyester, polyethylene, polystyrene, Styrofoam, synthetic
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: adjective
definition 1: made of plastic.
a plastic cupplastic pipe fittings
definition 2: able to be easily shaped or molded; pliable.
synonyms:
ductile, moldable, pliable, pliant
antonyms:
rigid, stiff
similar words:
bendable, flexible, malleable, supple
definition 3: concerned with or capable of forming, shaping, or modeling.
Sculpture is a plastic art form.
similar words:
malleable
definition 4: artificial or insincere in character.
a plastic smile
synonyms:
artificial, fake, phony, synthetic
antonyms:
genuine
similar words:
bogus, 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
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  character, chemistry, furniture, personality, tree
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