Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of thermoplastic polymer: Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene is a common, durable, and impact-resistant plastic material. It is created by polymerizing styrene and acrylonitrile in the presence of polybutadiene rubber.
   • A material for manufactured goods: It refers to the substance used in the production of a wide variety of rigid, molded products, particularly in consumer electronics, automotive parts, and protective housings.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The computer case is made of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, which makes it both lightweight and strong.
  • Many LEGO bricks are manufactured from high-quality acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene.
  • The automotive industry uses acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene for interior trim components.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Specification: In engineering and product design, "acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene" is often discussed in terms of its material properties, such as its tensile strength, heat resistance, and moldability.
  • The prototype failed because the specified grade of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene could not withstand the required thermal cycling.

Variants and Related Words

• ABS: This is the universal abbreviation for acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene.
  • Please check if this part is available in ABS or polycarbonate.
• Thermoplastic (noun): A broader category of plastics, including acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, that become pliable when heated.
• Polymer (noun): A large molecule composed of repeating subunits; acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene is a specific copolymer.

Synonyms

• ABS plastic: The most direct synonym, explicitly naming the material.
• Engineering thermoplastic: A functional synonym highlighting its use in technical applications.

Related Phrases

• ABS resin: A term sometimes used interchangeably, emphasizing the material's chemical composition.
• Made from ABS: A common phrase describing the material composition of a product.
  • The keyboard is made from ABS, so it is quite durable.

Noun

1. any of a class of composite plastics used to make car bodies and cases for computers and other appliances