plastic
1. plas.tic \'plas-tik\ aj [L plasticus of molding, fr. Gk plastikos, fr.
plassein to mo]ld, form 1: FORMATIVE, CREATIVE {~ forces in nature} 2a:
capable of being molded or modeled {~ clay} 2b: capable of adapting :
PLIABLE {ecologically ~ animals)> 3: characterized by or using modeling {~
arts} 4: SCULPTURAL 5: made or consisting of a plastic 6: capable of
being deformed continuously and permanently in any direction without
ruptureTABLE: PLASTIC applies to substances soft enough to be molded yet
capable of hardening into the desired fixed form; PLIABLE suggests
something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated; PLIANT may stress
flexibility and sometimes connote springiness and so lack some of the
suggestion of submissiveness found in PLIABLE; DUCTILE applies to what can
be drawn out at will and therefore suggests being easily led or influenced;
MALLEABLE applies to what may be beaten into shape and may suggest lack of
independent will or firm character; ADAPTABLE implies the capability of
being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses SYN syn
PLIABLE, PLIANT, DUCTILE, MALLEABLE, ADAP
2. plastic n : a plastic substance; specif : any of numerous organic
synthetic or processed materials that are molded, cast, extruded, drawn,
or laminated into objects, films, or filaments - often used in pl. with
sing. constr.