What does plasticize mean?
Plasticize is a verb that means to make something more pliable or flexible, often by adding a plasticizer. This process is commonly used in chemistry and art to create materials that can be molded or shaped. The term can also refer to the use of a plasticizer to make a material more pliable for molding or shaping. In chemistry, plasticize is often used to describe the process of adding a plasticizer to a material to make it more flexible. The use of plasticizers can have both positive and negative effects, depending on the context and the type of material being used. For example, in some cases, plasticizers can help to improve the flexibility and durability of a material, while in other cases, they can cause it to become brittle or prone to cracking. Overall, plasticize is an important term in chemistry and art, and it has a wide range of applications and uses.
verbTo make something more pliable or flexible, often by adding a plasticizer.
- To make something more pliable or flexible, often by adding a plasticizer.
"The manufacturer plasticized the rubber to make it easier to mold."
"The manufacturer plasticized the rubber to make it easier to mold."
"The artist used a plasticizer to make the clay more pliable."
The plural form of plasticize is used to describe the process of making multiple materials more pliable or flexible.
"The manufacturer plasticized several types of rubber to make them easier to mold."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of plasticize
The word plasticize comes from the Latin word 'plasticus,' which means 'able to be shaped.' This term was later adopted into Middle English as 'plastic,' and it has been used in various forms since the 15th century. The verb plasticize emerged in the 19th century, and it has been used to describe the process of adding a plasticizer to a material to make it more flexible.
Usage notes
In chemistry, plasticize is often used to describe the process of adding a plasticizer to a material to make it more flexible. In art, it can refer to the use of a plasticizer to make a material more pliable for molding or shaping.