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
ˌthər-mə-ˌpla-ˈsti-sə-tē How to pronounce thermoplastic (audio)
noun

Examples of thermoplastic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf, or DITF, is working with the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research on multifilament yarns made from thermoplastic two-way shape-memory polymers. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 2026 These materials are intended to squish—thermoplastic rubber and silicone are designed to be soft and pliable but bounce back to their original shape. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 13 Aug. 2026 They were developed from CT scans of his skull using PEEK, a lightweight thermoplastic material. — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026 It’s made of an easy-to-clean thermoplastic polyurethane that is also water-resistant for those games that get rained out. — Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for thermoplastic

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thermoplastic was in 1883

Rhymes for thermoplastic

See All Rhymes for thermoplastic

Browse Nearby Words

thermopile
thermoplastic
thermopolymerization
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thermoplastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thermoplastic. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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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
-ˌplas-ˈtis-ət-ē How to pronounce thermoplastic (audio)
noun
plural thermoplasticities

thermoplastic

2 of 2 noun
: a thermoplastic material

More from Merriam-Webster on thermoplastic

Nglish: Translation of thermoplastic for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thermoplastic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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