Plexiglas
Noun: 1. A type of transparent thermoplastic material: Plexiglas is a brand name for a solid, glass-like plastic made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). It is known for being lightweight, shatter-resistant, and transparent, often used as an alternative to glass.
Plexiglas is used as a singular, uncountable noun to refer to the material itself. It is often used in contexts involving construction, manufacturing, safety, and art. * The museum installed Plexiglas barriers to protect the paintings. * For the prototype, we will use a sheet of Plexiglas instead of real glass.
- The storefront window was made of Plexiglas to prevent break-ins.
- She crafted a beautiful sculpture from colored Plexiglas.
- The protective Plexiglas shield on the machine is easy to clean.
- As a generic trademark: While "Plexiglas" is a registered trademark, it is sometimes used generically to refer to clear acrylic sheets, similar to how "Kleenex" is used for tissues. In formal or technical writing, "acrylic glass" or "PMMA" may be preferred.
- Informal: "We need some Plexiglas for the project."
- Formal/Technical: "The panel is constructed from 10-mm cast acrylic sheet."
- Acrylic (noun): A more general term for synthetic materials made from acrylic acid, including fibers and paints. In the context of sheets, it is often synonymous with Plexiglas.
- Perspex (noun): Another major brand name for PMMA acrylic sheet, commonly used in British English.
- Lucite (noun): A brand name for PMMA acrylic resin, often associated with molded objects and vintage items.
- Acrylic glass
- PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate)
- Safety glass (in some contexts, though this can also refer to laminated glass)
The core meaning of Plexiglas is a specific, branded type of transparent plastic. Its defining characteristics are its clarity (allowing light to pass through), light weight, and high impact resistance compared to glass. It is not typically used to describe flexible or opaque plastics.
- a light transparent weather resistant thermoplastic