- Definition: In its most common modern usage, “plastic” refers to synthetic materials made from polymers that can be moulded into various shapes, often being used for packaging and manufacturing a wide range of products. However, the term also broadly signifies any material which can be shaped or moulded, often under heat and pressure. In a more abstract sense, it can describe something that is easily shaped or influenced.
- Etymology and Origin: The word “plastic” originates from the Greek word “plastikos,” which means “capable of being shaped or moulded.” This, in turn, derives from “plastos,” meaning “moulded.” It entered the English language in the early 17th century with the meaning of ‘mouldable’ or ‘pliant.’ The modern association with synthetic polymers began in the 20th century when the development of plastics as we know them today started.
Plastic Definition and Origin: The Evolution of a Mouldable Marvel
