Plaster Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฉน
plaster
[หplษหstษr ]
Definitions
medical
A medical dressing that consists of a soft heated mass of meal or clay, spread on a cloth, and applied to sores.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| plaster |
This term is most commonly used in British English to refer to adhesive strips used to cover small cuts or blisters.
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| bandage |
A bandage is a piece of material used to support an injured part of the body, to hold a dressing in place, or to apply pressure. It's often used for larger wounds or injuries.
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| dressing |
A dressing is a sterile pad or compress applied to a wound to promote healing and protect the wound from further harm. It is used for serious wounds to control bleeding and prevent infection.
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| patch |
A patch is a piece of material used to cover something, often used in the context of medications (like nicotine patches) or to protect a larger area of skin.
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Examples of usage
- The doctor applied a plaster to the wound to help it heal faster.
- She wrapped the injured knee with a plaster to protect it from further damage.
construction
A building material used for coating walls, ceilings, and other surfaces for protection and decoration.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| plaster |
Used in construction and medical contexts. In construction, it's a paste made with gypsum, lime, or cement used for coating walls and ceilings. In medicine, it's a bandage or dressing.
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| stucco |
Refers to a type of plaster used for coating walls and ceilings, often for decorative purposes. Frequently used in architectural designs and renovations.
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| render |
Specific to construction, it means to apply a first coat of plaster or cement to a wall. It's often used in more technical or professional settings.
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| mud |
Often refers to wet earth or soil. In some construction contexts, it can mean a mixture of water and earth or another substance used for building or finishing surfaces.
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Examples of usage
- The walls were covered with a layer of plaster to give them a smooth finish.
- The plaster on the ceiling was starting to crack and needed repair.
medical
To cover or treat with plaster, especially to apply a medical dressing.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| plaster |
May also refer to affixing something heavily or with excessive amounts, often with a slightly negative or humorous connotation.
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| cover |
A general term used when you are referring to putting something over the top of another thing to protect, hide, or enclose it.
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| coat |
Commonly used when you are talking about covering something with a thin layer of a material or substance.
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| apply |
Suitable for talking about spreading something on a surface, such as lotion, paint, or other substances.
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Examples of usage
- The nurse plastered the cut on his arm before bandaging it.
- She carefully plastered the burn with ointment to prevent infection.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Construction
- Plaster is often used in building interiors to create smooth walls and ceilings, as it can be easily molded when applied fresh.
- Modern plaster can include additives to improve properties like strength and insulation, making it more versatile.
Art
- Many sculptures, including famous works like the Venus de Milo, were originally made by casting in plaster before the final materials were used.
- Artists often use plaster for creating detailed models or molds due to its fine texture and ability to capture intricate designs.
Health
- In medical settings, a type of plaster known as a splint is used for immobilizing broken bones.
- Plaster casts are critical in treating fractures, as they allow the bone to heal properly while protecting it from movement.
Origin of 'plaster'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'plastre,' which means 'to plaster' and has roots in the Latin word 'plastere,' meaning 'to spread.'
- Ancient Egyptians used a mixture of gypsum and water to create a form of plaster as early as 3000 BC for construction and decoration.
The word 'plaster' originated from the Middle English word 'plastre', which came from Old French 'platre', and ultimately from the Greek 'plastron' meaning 'a thing molded'. The use of plaster as a building material dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, who used a mixture of lime, sand, and water. In medicine, plaster has been used for centuries as a way to cover wounds and promote healing.