ENGLISH
REFERENCE

plastic

n. C / U
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ˈpɫæstɪk// UK //plˈɑːstɪk// plas·tic Archaic General-service Informal Slang Vulgar

n. a strong, light material made by people that can be shaped into many things like bottles or toys. It is used for many everyday objects because it is cheap and lasts a long time.

n. a synthetic or semi-synthetic organic polymer that can be molded into solid objects. Refers to a wide range of materials characterized by high molecular weight and durability.


SIMPLE

We should try to use less plastic in our daily lives.

CONTEXTUAL

The manufacturer replaced the heavy glass bottles with lightweight plastic ones to reduce shipping costs.

COMPLEX

While plastic revolutionized the packaging industry due to its versatility and low cost, its resistance to natural degradation has created a significant environmental challenge for modern waste management systems.

Synonyms
Origin

From Latin plasticus (“of molding”), from Ancient Greek πλαστικός (plastikós), from πλάσσω (plássō, “to mold, form”). Doublet of plastique.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the material in general; countable when referring to specific types or chemical variations of the material.

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