Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Capable of being shaped or molded: Describes materials that can be formed into different shapes, especially when soft, and then retain that shape.
   • Easily influenced or shaped: Describes something, like a person's mind or character, that is impressionable or adaptable.
   • Relating to molding or modeling: Pertaining to the art of modeling or creating three-dimensional forms.

2. Noun:

   • A synthetic material: A generic term for a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic compounds that can be molded into solid objects.
   • A credit card: Informal term for a credit or debit card, typically made from plastic material.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • Clay is a plastic material that hardens when fired.
  • A child's mind is remarkably plastic and absorbs information quickly.
  • She studied plastic arts like sculpture.

• Noun:

  • This bottle is made from recycled plastic.
  • "Do you accept plastic?" the customer asked, holding up a credit card.

Advanced Usage

• "Plastic smile": A smile that is insincere, forced, or artificial.

  • He greeted the difficult client with a plastic smile.

• "Plastic explosives": A malleable explosive material that can be molded by hand.

  • The security team was trained to detect plastic explosives.

Variants and Related Words

• Plasticity (n): The quality of being easily shaped or molded; adaptability.
  • The plasticity of the material allows for intricate designs.
• Plasticize (v): To make something plastic or moldable.
  • The process plasticizes the resin so it can be formed.
• Plastics (n, plural): Often used to refer to the field or industry of plastic materials.
  • He works in plastics manufacturing.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Malleable, pliable, moldable, impressionable, adaptable.
• Noun: Polymer, synthetic, credit card, charge card.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

Note: "Plastic" is not commonly used to form standard phrasal verbs. The following are related verb phrases. - To plastic-coat: To cover something with a layer of plastic. - The wires are plastic-coated for safety.

Related Idioms

• "Plastic fantastic": A phrase, sometimes ironic, praising something made of plastic or something modern and synthetic.
  • His new, all-plastic kitchen was, in his words, "plastic fantastic".
• "Plastic people": A derogatory term for people perceived as artificial, superficial, or lacking genuine depth.
  • The novel criticizes the plastic people of high society.

Adjective

1. forming or capable of forming or molding or fashioning
   • a formative influence
   • a formative experience
2. capable of being influenced or formed
   • the plastic minds of children
   • a pliant nature
3. capable of being molded or modeled (especially of earth or clay or other soft material)
   • plastic substances such as wax or clay

Noun

1. a card (usually plastic) that assures a seller that the person using it has a satisfactory credit rating and that the issuer will see to it that the seller receives payment for the merchandise delivered
   • do you take plastic?
2. generic name for certain synthetic or semisynthetic materials that can be molded or extruded into objects or films or filaments or used for making e.g. coatings and adhesives