Plastic: meaning, definitions and examples

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plastic

 

[หˆplรฆs.tษชk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

material

A synthetic material made from a wide range of organic polymers such as polyethylene, PVC, nylon, etc. It can be molded into shape while soft and then set into a rigid or slightly elastic form. Plastic is used for a wide variety of applications, including packaging, building materials, toys, and many household products.

Synonyms

polymer, resin, synthetic material.

Examples of usage

  • Many food items are packaged in plastic containers.
  • The chairs in the waiting room were made of plastic.
  • She refused to buy products with excessive plastic packaging.
  • The plastic industry is constantly developing new materials and technologies.
  • Plastic pollution is a major environmental concern.
Context #2 | Adjective

superficial

Superficial and artificial, lacking depth or real character. Used to describe things that are not genuine or authentic.

Synonyms

artificial, insincere, superficial.

Examples of usage

  • Her smile was plastic, hiding her true emotions.
  • The politician's apology seemed plastic and insincere.
  • Don't be fooled by his plastic charm; he's not a sincere person.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term originates from the Greek word 'plastikos', meaning 'able to be molded or shaped'.
  • The word 'plastic' has also been used since the early 19th century to describe substances that can be easily shaped.

Environmental Impact

  • Plastic pollution is a major global issue, with millions of tons of plastic waste harming marine life every year.
  • Some plastics take up to 1,000 years to decompose, contributing to landfills that overflow and environmental degradation.

Science and Technology

  • The first synthetic plastic, Bakelite, was created in 1907 and marked the beginning of the plastics revolution.
  • There are several types of plastics, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, each used for different products.

Art and Culture

  • Plastic has been used in art, such as in sculptures and installations, showcasing its versatility.
  • Artists like Claes Oldenburg have famously created works from plastic, critiquing consumer culture and waste.

Health

  • Some plastics can leach harmful chemicals, particularly when heated, raising concerns about food safety and health.
  • The term 'BPA-free' refers to products that do not contain Bisphenol A, a chemical found in some plastics that is linked to health risks.

Translations

Translations of the word "plastic" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น plรกstico

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅเคฒเคพเคธเฅเคŸเคฟเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Plastik

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ plastik

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะปะฐัั‚ะธะบ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ plastik

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ—ใƒฉใ‚นใƒใƒƒใ‚ฏ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท plastique

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ plรกstico

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท plastik

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ”Œ๋ผ์Šคํ‹ฑ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจู„ุงุณุชูŠูƒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ plast

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ plast

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅก‘ๆ–™

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ plastika

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ plast

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟะปะฐัั‚ะธะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒšแƒแƒกแƒขแƒ˜แƒ™แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ plastik

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ plรกstico

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,047, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.