# plastics

/ˈpɫæstɪks/ (US) · /plˈɑːstɪks/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/plastics
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. synthetic materials

noun · CEFR A2

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

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

- Many countries are trying to reduce the amount of single-use plastics they use every day.
- The environmental impact of microplastics in the ocean has led to stricter regulations on the production of industrial plastics worldwide.

### 2. plastic surgery

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the medical field or profession of plastic surgery.

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

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

Teaching tip: In everyday English, people usually say 'plastic surgery' rather than just 'plastics'.

## Examples

- We should try to use fewer single-use plastics.
- Many modern electronics are encased in durable plastics to protect the delicate internal components from damage.
- The versatility of various plastics has revolutionized manufacturing, yet their chemical stability poses a significant challenge for waste management systems worldwide.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.