plastic
plas·tic / ˈplastik/ • n. a synthetic material made from a wide range of organic polymers such as polyethylene, PVC, nylon, etc., that can be molded into shape while soft and then set into a rigid or slightly elastic form. ∎ inf. credit cards or other types of plastic card that can be used as money: he pays with cash instead of with plastic.• adj. 1. made of plastic: plastic bags. ∎ looking or tasting artificial: long-distance flights with their plastic food she smiled a little plastic smile.2. (of substances or materials) easily shaped or molded: rendering the material more plastic. ∎ (in art) of or relating to molding or modeling in three dimensions, or producing three-dimensional effects. ∎ (in science and technology) of or relating to the permanent deformation of a solid without fracture by the temporary application of force. ∎ offering scope for creativity: the writer is drawn to words as a plastic medium. ∎ Biol. exhibiting adaptability to change or variety in the environment.DERIVATIVES: plas·ti·cal·ly / -(ə)lē/ adv.
