The word "plastic" is spelled as /ˈplæstɪk/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced as "plas" with the "a" sound as in "cat". The second syllable is pronounced as "tic" with the "i" sound as in "sit". The spelling of the word is derived from the Latin word "plasticus" meaning "moldable". Plastic refers to a synthetic material that is flexible, durable and can be molded into various shapes, making it a popular material for a wide range of products.
Plastic is a term that can be used as both a noun and an adjective, with various meanings depending on its context. As a noun, it refers to a synthetic material made from a wide range of organic polymers, primarily derived from coal, natural gas, or petroleum. These materials undergo a process called polymerization, resulting in a highly malleable substance that can be molded and shaped when heated. Plastics are known for their durability, strength, and resistance to degradation, which has led to their extensive use in numerous applications across industries such as packaging, construction, automotive, electronics, and more.
Furthermore, plastic can also represent a genre of art, typically characterized by three-dimensional works produced using materials such as clay, wax, or plaster. These materials allow artists to sculpt and mold figures, objects, or abstract forms.
As an adjective, plastic is often used to describe something that is capable of being molded or shaped easily, metaphorically implying flexibility, malleability, or adaptability. This can refer to mental or emotional characteristics of individuals, as well as the capability of objects or materials to be altered or transformed according to specific needs or circumstances.
Overall, plastic encompasses a range of definitions that revolve around its versatile nature, whether as a manufactured material, an artistic medium, or a descriptive term for adaptability.
Susceptible of being moulded or modelled, as clay; having power to give form to matter; pert. to modelling; produced by, or appearing as produced by, moulding or modelling.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "plastic" comes from the Latin word "plasticus", which in turn comes from the Greek word "plastikos", meaning "capable of being shaped or molded". Both of these words are derived from the Greek verb "plassein", which means "to mold" or "to shape". The term "plastic" was initially used to describe substances or materials that could be easily shaped or molded into various forms. Over time, it evolved to specifically refer to synthetic materials that can be molded into different objects when heated and then cooled.