ENGLISH
REFERENCE

plastic

n. · adj.
US //ˈpɫæstɪk// UK //plˈɑːstɪk// plas·tic
  1. 1 the material (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a strong, light material made by people that can be shaped into many things.

    a synthetic or semi-synthetic organic polymer that can be moulded into solid objects.

    Example

    We are trying to use less plastic to help the environment.

    Example

    The durability of modern plastic makes it an ideal material for medical equipment, though its environmental persistence remains a significant global concern.
  2. 2 credit or debit cards (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    cards used to pay for things instead of using cash.

    credit, debit, or other payment cards viewed collectively as a medium of exchange.

    Example

    I don't have any cash on me, so I'll have to pay with plastic.

    Example

    The vendor preferred cash for small transactions, though he was equipped to accept plastic for any purchase over twenty pounds.
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  1. 3 made of plastic (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    made from the material plastic.

    composed of or containing any of various synthetic or semi-synthetic amorphous solids.

    Example

    The children played with a set of plastic animals in the garden.

    Example

    The interior of the vehicle was finished with high-grade plastic components designed to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations without warping.
  2. 4 fake or insincere (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    not real or honest; describing someone who acts in a fake way.

    artificial or superficial in appearance or behaviour; lacking in authenticity.

    Example

    He gave her a plastic smile that didn't reach his eyes.

    Example

    The politician's plastic persona failed to resonate with voters who were looking for a more authentic and relatable candidate.
  3. 5 malleable (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    easy to shape or change.

    capable of being moulded or receiving form; exhibiting adaptability to environmental changes.

    Example

    The clay is very plastic and easy for the students to work with.

    Example

    The brain is remarkably plastic during early childhood, allowing for rapid neural reorganisation in response to new sensory experiences.
Origin

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

Word family

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