Word
thermoplastic
Phoneticsther·mo·plas·tic, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌθɝməˈpɫæstɪk/
UK/θˌɜːməplˈɑːstɪk/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a type of plastic that becomes soft when you heat it and hard again when it cools, so you can reshape it many times.
n. a polymer material that softens on heating and hardens on cooling, allowing repeated reshaping without chemical change. Frequently contrasted with thermosetting polymers, which harden permanently after first heating.
Examples
“This bottle uses thermoplastic that softens in heat.”
“The factory melts thermoplastic pellets and injects them into moulds to make phone cases.”
“Unlike thermosetting resins, thermoplastic can be reheated and remoulded many times, which makes recycling easier though repeated heating may gradually weaken the material.”
Examples
simple
“This bottle uses thermoplastic that softens in heat.”
contextual
“The factory melts thermoplastic pellets and injects them into moulds to make phone cases.”
complex
“Unlike thermosetting resins, thermoplastic can be reheated and remoulded many times, which makes recycling easier though repeated heating may gradually weaken the material.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “thermoplastic” in context.
Verb
01. extrude thermoplastic
“The machine will extrude thermoplastic into long tubes for plumbing.”
verb + noun
02. heat thermoplastic
“Heat the thermoplastic carefully before pressing it into the mould.”
verb + noun
Adjective
03. amorphous thermoplastic
“Amorphous thermoplastic is valued for its clarity and dimensional stability.”
adj + noun
04. durable thermoplastic
“This protective case is moulded from durable thermoplastic for daily use.”
adj + noun
05. engineering thermoplastic
“This casing is produced from tough engineering thermoplastic used in electronics.”
adj + noun
06. high-performance thermoplastic
“Aerospace engineers rely on high-performance thermoplastic for lightweight parts.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. layer of thermoplastic
“A thin layer of thermoplastic bonds the two panels together.”
noun + prep + noun
08. range of thermoplastic
“The supplier offers a wide range of thermoplastic for automotive use.”
noun + prep + noun
09. a sheet of reinforced thermoplastic
“The technician cut a sheet of reinforced thermoplastic for the drone housing.”
10. heat thermoplastic until soft
“Heat thermoplastic until soft, then press it into the desired shape.”
11. made from durable thermoplastic
“This chair shell is made from durable thermoplastic to minimise waste.”
12. mould thermoplastic into new parts
“Factories mould thermoplastic into new parts for cars and appliances.”
Real-World Examples
“Engineers at adidas have made the entire pair of shoes from one material, a version of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).” Etymology
From thermo- + plastic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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