Plastic

/ˈplæstɪk/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A synthetic material made from a wide range of organic polymers, used for various products.
The bottle is made of recyclable plastic.
A credit card or similar item made from plastic material.
She handed over her plastic to pay for the groceries.
adjective
Capable of being molded or shaped; flexible.
The artist used plastic materials to create the sculpture.
Not genuine; insincere or artificial.
His plastic smile made it hard to know his true feelings.

Etymology

From Greek 'plastos' meaning 'molded'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

plastic surgery:
A surgical specialty involving the restoration, reconstruction, or alteration of the human body.
plastic wrap:
A thin, transparent film used to cover food and other items.
plasticity:
The quality of being easily shaped or molded.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Superficial or fake.
She was so plastic, always pretending to be someone she's not.
Materialistic or concerned with appearances.
His plastic friends only care about money and looks.