plastic
plastic Lexical Profile
plastic Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A synthetic or semi-synthetic material made from organic polymers that can be molded into shape while soft and then set into a rigid or slightly elastic form.
"The manufacturer decided to replace the metal components with durable plastic to reduce the overall weight of the device."
Credit cards or other types of payment cards used as a substitute for cash.
"I do not carry cash anymore, so I usually just pay with plastic."
Word Nuance & Usage
While the literal definition refers to synthetic, moldable materials, using 'plastic' to describe a person or their behavior carries a strong negative connotation implying superficiality, insincerity, or artificiality.
• Rhymes for plastic
Word Origin & Etymology
From Latin 'plasticus', derived from Greek 'plastikos' (suitable for molding), from 'plassein' (to mold). It originally referred to the arts of modeling clay or wax, with its modern noun application to synthetic polymers emerging in the early 20th century.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.