Plastics
/ˈplæs.tɪks/noun
Synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that can be shaped while soft and retain their form after hardening.
Did you know?The ancient Greek root behind plastics also produced plasma, meaning something molded or formed, while plastic as a material became common only in the 20th century.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*plak-
“To spread, flatten, or form by pressing”
Ancient Greek
Greek
plássein
“To mold, shape, or form”
Ancient Greek
Greek
plastikós
“Able to be molded or suitable for shaping”
Late Latin
Latin
plasticus
“Relating to molding or modeling”
17th Century
English
plastic
“Capable of being molded or shaped”
19th Century
English
plastic
“Relating to sculpture, modeling, or form-giving”
20th Century–Modern English
English
plastics
“Manufactured moldable materials, especially synthetic polymers”