Word
plasticity
Phoneticsplas·tic·i·ty
UK/plɑːstˈɪsɪti/
Definition
n. the ability of something to change its shape or form easily without breaking. It is often used to describe how a material behaves when you press or stretch it.
n. the property of a material that allows it to undergo permanent deformation without rupture when subjected to stress. In a biological context, it refers to the brain's ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.
Examples
“The plasticity of the clay makes it easy to shape.”
“Engineers tested the plasticity of the new polymer to ensure it could withstand extreme temperatures without cracking.”
“The study highlights the remarkable plasticity of the adult human brain, demonstrating that cognitive functions can be improved through targeted practice and environmental enrichment.”
Examples
simple
“The plasticity of the clay makes it easy to shape.”
contextual
“Engineers tested the plasticity of the new polymer to ensure it could withstand extreme temperatures without cracking.”
complex
“The study highlights the remarkable plasticity of the adult human brain, demonstrating that cognitive functions can be improved through targeted practice and environmental enrichment.”
Real-World Examples
“This ability to change and form new connections, often called neural plasticity, helps the brain learn new information and skills.” “Plasticity refers to a material's ability to permanently change shape without cracking or breaking.” Etymology
From plastic + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
Domain
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/plasticity