thermoplastic

adjective

ther·​mo·​plas·​tic ˌthər-mə-ˈpla-stik How to pronounce thermoplastic (audio)
: capable of softening or fusing when heated and of hardening again when cooled
thermoplastic synthetic resins
compare thermosetting
thermoplastic noun
thermoplasticity noun

Examples of thermoplastic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Each ball is made with thermoplastic, hypoallergenic, recyclable, and latex-free rubber. Mary K. Tatum, Ms, Verywell Health, 5 July 2023 Another common band material used is thermoplastic polyurethane which is non-toxic and doesn’t contain chemicals that interfere with endocrine or hormone systems. Casey Clark, Parents, 9 Feb. 2024 This 21-inch wheeled suitcase glides smoothly on all types of surfaces and has a robust but lightweight thermoplastic shell that comes in a variety of colors. Nancy Einhart, Travel + Leisure, 4 Dec. 2023 The city held a couple of community meetings last fall to hear residents’ concerns, and switched from crumb rubber infill to thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) infill for the new turf to reduce PFAS leakage. Sarah Raza, BostonGlobe.com, 3 Aug. 2023 They’re made with a synthetic microfiber and polyurethane lining (which is much cheaper than leather to produce), as well as a shock-absorbing thermoplastic rubber outsole, and have a classic square-toe style. Joel Balsam, Travel + Leisure, 12 Jan. 2024 Price at time of publish: $185 The Details: Back: 94 percent polyester, 6 percent elastane; Face: 82 percent nylon, 18 percent elastane; Inner: 100 percent thermoplastic polyurethane; Faux Fur: 60 percent modacrylic, 40 percent acrylic | US 14 to 26 | Free returns within 14 days. Amy Louise Bailey, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2023 For those concerned about carbon footprints, they're also made with 51 percent recycled thermoplastic rubber. Erika Reals, Peoplemag, 19 Oct. 2023 The balls are made from thermoplastic rubber designed to strengthen muscles while easing joint and carpal tunnel pain. Mary K. Tatum, Ms, Verywell Health, 5 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'thermoplastic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thermoplastic was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near thermoplastic

Cite this Entry

“Thermoplastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thermoplastic. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

thermoplastic

adjective
ther·​mo·​plas·​tic ˌthər-mə-ˈplas-tik How to pronounce thermoplastic (audio)
: capable of softening or melting when heated and of hardening again when cooled
thermoplastic synthetic fibers

Medical Definition

thermoplastic

1 of 2 adjective
ther·​mo·​plas·​tic ˌthər-mə-ˈplas-tik How to pronounce thermoplastic (audio)
: capable of softening or fusing when heated and of hardening again when cooled
thermoplastic synthetic resins
thermoplasticity noun
plural thermoplasticities

thermoplastic

2 of 2 noun
: a thermoplastic material

More from Merriam-Webster on thermoplastic

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