Plasticity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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plasticity
[plรฆหstษชsษชti ]
Definitions
material
The quality of being easily shaped or molded; flexibility.
Synonyms
adaptability, flexibility, malleability.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| plasticity |
Refers to the ability of materials to undergo a permanent change in shape. In a broader sense, it's used in psychology and neuroscience to describe the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize itself.
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| flexibility |
Refers to the quality of bending easily without breaking. It is often used to describe physical qualities, personal traits, or organizational policies.
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| malleability |
Describes a material's ability to be hammered or pressed permanently out of shape without breaking or cracking. It can also be used metaphorically to describe people who are easily influenced or shaped by others.
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| adaptability |
Used to describe the ability to change or be changed to fit new circumstances or conditions. Often applied in a biological, technological, or personal growth context.
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Examples of usage
- Metal has less plasticity than clay.
- Plasticity is an important characteristic of certain materials used in construction.
biology
The ability of an organism to change its form or develop new structures in response to the environment.
Synonyms
adaptability, flexibility, malleability.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| plasticity |
Often used in scientific contexts to describe the ability of a material or organism to be shaped or altered. It can also refer to the brain's capacity to change and adapt.
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| adaptability |
Best used when describing how well a person, animal, or system can adjust to new conditions or environments.
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| malleability |
Often used in contexts involving metals or materials that can be hammered or pressed into different shapes. Can also describe a person's openness to influence or change, though this can be seen negatively if implying they are easily manipulated.
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| flexibility |
Typically used to describe how easily something can bend or change without breaking. Can be used both physically (like materials or muscles) and metaphorically (like rules or schedules).
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Examples of usage
- The brain's plasticity allows for learning and memory formation.
- Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Neuroscience
- The brain can reorganize itself by forming new connections, helping us recover from injuries.
- Studies show that practicing a skill can actually strengthen the areas of the brain involved in that task, demonstrating change over time.
Developmental Psychology
- During childhood, the brain is particularly 'plastic,' allowing kids to absorb languages and skills rapidly.
- Experiences shape brain development, as the more a child learns, the more connections are formed in their brain.
Education
- Teaching methods that encourage exploration and problem-solving can enhance brain plasticity, leading to better learning outcomes.
- Lifelong learning is essential for maintaining brain health because it keeps the brain adaptable.
Artificial Intelligence
- Machine learning algorithms mimic plasticity by adapting to new data, changing their behavior over time.
- In robotics, creating systems that can 'learn' from their environment mirrors the concept of plasticity in humans.
Philosophy
- Philosophers have explored concepts of personal growth and adaptability, likening human character development to plasticity.
- The idea of a malleable mind suggests that belief in oneโs ability to change can lead to significant personal transformation.
Origin of 'plasticity'
The word 'plasticity' originates from the Greek word 'plastikos', meaning 'able to be molded'. It was first used in the early 19th century to describe the quality of being easily shaped or molded. Over time, the term has been adopted in various fields such as materials science, biology, and psychology to describe the ability to change or adapt to different circumstances.