What does "plastics" mean?

1. (synthetic materials) materials made by people that can be shaped into many different objects like bottles, toys, or bags. 2. (plastic surgery) the medical field or profession of plastic surgery.

How do you use "plastics"?

This sense is uncountable and often used by medical professionals to refer to their department or specialty.

plastics

US //ˈpɫæstɪks// UK //plˈɑːstɪks// plas·tics

1 synthetic materials (n.)
A2 Elementary Science

materials made by people that can be shaped into many different objects like bottles, toys, or bags.

synthetic or semi-synthetic organic polymers used for manufacturing a vast range of industrial and consumer products.

Example

Many countries are trying to reduce the amount of single-use plastics they use every day.

Example

The environmental impact of microplastics in the ocean has led to stricter regulations on the production of industrial plastics worldwide.
- polymers
- synthetics
2 plastic surgery (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

the medical field or profession of plastic surgery.

the branch of medicine concerned with the repair, restoration, or alteration of the human body. Uncountable in this sense.

Example

After the accident, he was sent to the plastics department for a skin graft.

Example

She decided to specialise in plastics after completing her general surgical residency, focusing specifically on reconstructive techniques for burn victims.

Usage

This sense is uncountable and often used by medical professionals to refer to their department or specialty.

Teacher's tip

In everyday English, people usually say 'plastic surgery' rather than just 'plastics'.
- cosmetic surgery
- reconstructive surgery

Last updated June 20, 2026