English Lexicon

Plastic

/ˈplæs.tɪk/
nounadjectiveCEFR B1 (Intermediate)Top #2150 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A synthetic material made from a wide range of organic polymers, used in a variety of applications.

    "The toy is made of durable plastic that can withstand rough play."
As adjective
  1. 1

    Relating to or made of plastic; capable of being shaped or molded.

    "The plastic container is lightweight and easy to carry."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Late Latin plasticus, from the Greek plastikos meaning 'molded' or 'capable of being shaped', stemming from plassrein 'to mold'. The modern chemical sense emerged in the early 20th century with the invention of fully synthetic polymer materials like Bakelite.

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