Search Dictionary
Definition of plexiglass

plexiglass

/ˈplɛk.sɪˌɡlæs/
plex · i · glass
Plural:plexiglasses
JUMP TO:

plexiglass Lexical Profile

plexiglass Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American A tough, lightweight, transparent thermoplastic (polymethyl methacrylate) widely used in sheet form as a shatter-resistant alternative to glass.

Example

"The museum display case was constructed from thick plexiglass to protect the fragile artifacts."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for plexiglass

Word Nuance & Usage

Originally a registered trademark (spelled "Plexiglas" with one 's'), the lowercase spelling "plexiglass" has become a genericized term in North American English for any clear acrylic sheet; in British English, "perspex" is more commonly used.

• Nearby Words

plenty
plesiosaur
plethora
plexiglass
pliability
pliable
pliably

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1933 by German chemist Otto Röhm as the trademark "Plexiglas," combining the Latin 'plexus' (interwoven or plaited, referring to its polymer structure) with 'glas' (glass).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Plexiglass. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/plexiglass
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.