Perspex
/'pə:speks/
Definition
- Noun:
- A transparent thermoplastic acrylic resin: "Perspex" is a brand name for a type of clear, rigid plastic made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). It is known for its high optical clarity, strength, and weather resistance, often used as a lightweight, shatter-resistant alternative to glass.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The museum display case was made of Perspex to protect the artifacts.
- For safety reasons, the windows in the laboratory were replaced with Perspex.
Advanced Usage
- As a generic term: While "Perspex" is a trademark, it is often used generically (especially in British English) to refer to clear acrylic sheets of any brand.
- He cut a sheet of perspex to size for the model.
- In manufacturing contexts: The term is used when specifying materials for fabrication.
- The prototype was fabricated using 10mm thick Perspex.
Variants and Related Words
- Plexiglas (noun): Another major brand name for a similar acrylic plastic material, more common in American English.
- Acrylic (noun): The general term for the type of plastic polymer. "Perspex" is a brand of acrylic sheet.
- Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) (noun): The full chemical name for the material.
Synonyms
- Acrylic glass: A common synonym emphasizing its glass-like properties.
- Plexiglass: The trademarked term often used synonymously in the US.
Related Phrases
- Perspex sheet: A standard phrase referring to a flat piece of this material.
- We need to order a Perspex sheet for the new sign.
- Perspex box: A common item made from this material for display or storage.
- The award was presented in a custom Perspex box.
Noun
-
a transparent thermoplastic acrylic resin