noun

plasticity

plas-TIS-i-tee

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Plasticity (noun) means the quality or state of being plastic, able to be shaped or moulded. Example: “Wet clay has plasticity that allows a potter to shape it by hand.”

noun

The quality or state of being plastic, able to be shaped or moulded.

"Wet clay has plasticity that allows a potter to shape it by hand."

"The plasticity of the dough made it easy to roll out."

physics The property of a solid that permanently changes shape or size once a stress beyond a certain value is applied.

"Engineers measure a metal's plasticity to see how far it bends before it stays deformed."

"Beyond the yield point, the beam shows plasticity rather than springing back to its original shape."

"The material's plasticity meant the dent in the panel did not disappear."

How to use plasticity

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishPlasticity is how easily something can be shaped or reshaped without breaking.

When to use it

It is a technical term used mainly in physics, materials science and engineering.

Memory tip

Do not confuse plasticity with elasticity: the two are treated as separate, coordinate properties of materials.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

elasticity →

Common pairings

high plasticity plasticity of a material test for plasticity degree of plasticity

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “plasticity” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Wet clay has _____ that allows a potter to shape it by hand.

Etymology

Plasticity is formed from the word plastic together with the suffix -ity, which turns an adjective into a noun naming its quality.

Origin: English

Rhymes for plasticity

city deity acuity parity brevity opacity paucity ability quality reality annuity gravity

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Frequently asked questions

What does plasticity mean?

It refers to the quality of being plastic, that is, able to be shaped or moulded.

What is plasticity in physics?

It is the property of a solid material that makes it change shape or size permanently once it is stressed beyond a certain value, called the yield value.

What is the difference between plasticity and elasticity?

They are related but distinct properties of materials, often discussed together, with plasticity concerned with permanent change and elasticity treated as a separate, coordinate property.

What is the meaning of plasticity?

"plasticity" (noun) means the quality or state of being plastic, able to be shaped or moulded.