thermoplastic

[ thur-muh-plas-tik ]

adjective

1. soft and pliable when heated, as some plastics, plastics, without any change of the inherent properties.

noun

1. a plastic of this type.

thermoplastic

/ ˌθɜːməʊplæˈstɪsɪtɪ; ˌθɜːməʊˈplæstɪk /

adjective

1. (of a material, esp a synthetic plastic or resin) becoming soft when heated and rehardening on cooling without appreciable change of properties Compare thermosetting

noun

1. a synthetic plastic or resin, such as polystyrene, with these properties

thermoplastic

/ thûr′mə-plăs′tĭk /

1. Of or relating to a compound that can be repeatedly made soft and hard through heating and cooling. Polyethylene and polystyrene are thermoplastic resins.
2. Compare thermosetting

Derived Forms

• thermoplasticity, noun

Other Words From

• ther·mo·plas·tic·i·ty [thur-moh-pla-, stis, -i-tee], noun
• nonther·mo·plastic adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of thermoplastic¹

First recorded in 1880–85; thermo- + plastic

Example Sentences

Polyolefins are a family of thermoplastics that include polyethylene — the material used to make single-use and “reusable” plastic bags — and polypropylene — the ubiquitous plastic that holds our yogurts and forms microwaveable dishes and car bumpers.

From Los Angeles Times

A recent study demonstrates that soft skin pads doubling as sensors made from thermoplastic urethane can be efficiently manufactured using 3D printers.

From Science Daily

They used a 3D printer to create blocks the size of a small brick out of a springy material called thermoplastic polyurethane.

From Science Daily

Those machines will make parts from thermoplastic composites, materials that are heated and molded into shape.

From Seattle Times

He taught himself to sew and embroider, sculpt with thermoplastics, and even tan leather.

From Seattle Times