Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Shaped or formed using a mold: Describes an object that has been given a specific shape by being pressed or poured into a hollow container (a mold).
   • Shaped to fit by altering a pliable mass: Describes something that has been given form through work or effort, often implying a crafted or manufactured quality.

Usage

• The primary use is as an adjective to describe objects that have been formed in a mold or given a deliberate shape.
• It often describes manufactured items made from materials like plastic, clay, metal, or concrete.
• It can describe something that fits a form or contour perfectly, as if it were molded to it.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The molded plastic chair was both lightweight and durable.
  • He held the molded clay figure carefully before it dried.
  • The seats were custom-molded to fit the driver's body.

Advanced Usage

• "molded into": Shaped to become a particular form or to fit a specific role.
  • The young athlete was molded into a champion by her dedicated coach.
• Used figuratively to describe the development of character, ideas, or institutions shaped by influences.
  • His opinions were molded by his experiences abroad.

Variants and Related Words

• Mold (verb): To shape a soft substance using a mold; to influence the formation of something.
  • She learned to mold pottery on a wheel.
• Molding (noun): A strip of material with a shaped surface used for decoration along the edges of walls, ceilings, or furniture.
  • The ornate ceiling molding added elegance to the room.
• Remold (verb): To shape or form again.
  • The company sought to remold its public image.

Synonyms

• Shaped: Given a particular form.
• Formed: Brought into existence with a structure.
• Cast: Shaped by pouring liquid material into a mold.
• Fashioned: Made into a particular form, often skillfully.
• Wrought (archaic/literary): Shaped by hammering or working, especially for metal.

Related Phrases

• Molded bread: Bread that is shaped, typically by hand or in a pan, before baking.
• Molded character: A personality heavily influenced by specific experiences or upbringing. (Figurative use)

Notes

• The spelling "molded" is standard in American English. The British English spelling is often "moulded."
• As an adjective, it is often used in compound terms like "molded plastic," "injection-molded," or "blow-molded," which specify the manufacturing process.

Adjective

1. shaped to fit by or as if by altering the contours of a pliable mass (as by work or effort)
   • a shaped handgrip
   • the molded steel plates
   • the wrought silver bracelet