plastic Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun generic name for certain synthetic or semisynthetic materials that can be molded or extruded into objects or films or filaments or used for making e.g. coatings and adhesives
  2. noun a card (usually plastic) that assures a seller that the person using it has a satisfactory credit rating and that the issuer will see to it that the seller receives payment for the merchandise delivered
    charge plate; charge card; credit card.
    • do you take plastic?
  3. adjective satellite capable of being molded or modeled (especially of earth or clay or other soft material)
    moldable; fictile.
    • plastic substances such as wax or clay
  4. adjective satellite capable of being influenced or formed
    pliant.
    • the plastic minds of children
    • a pliant nature
  5. adjective satellite forming or capable of forming or molding or fashioning
    formative; shaping.
    • a formative influence
    • a formative experience

WordNet

Plas"tic adjective
Etymology
L. plasticus, Gr. , fr. to form, mold: cf. F. plastique.
Definitions
  1. Having the power to give form or fashion to a mass of matter; as, the plastic hand of the Creator. Prior.
    See plastic Nature working to his end. Pope.
  2. Capable of being molded, formed, or modeled, as clay or plaster; -- used also figuratively; as, the plastic mind of a child.
  3. Pertaining or appropriate to, or characteristic of, molding or modeling; produced by, or appearing as if produced by, molding or modeling; -- said of sculpture and the kindred arts, in distinction from painting and the graphic arts.
    Medallions . . . fraught with the plastic beauty and grace of the palmy days of Italian art. J. S. Harford.
    composed of a plastic substance plastic, n. a substance composed predominantly of a synthetic organic high polymer capable of being cast or molded; many varieties of plastic are used to produce articles of commerce (after 1900). [MW10 gives origin of word as 1905]

Webster 1913