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.
Some brands may use latex or thermoplastic elastomers. — Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 8 June 2026 On her first day of treatment, Cooke was intrigued by the custom-fit thermoplastic mask that would direct radiation beams and protect healthy tissue. — Kerry Breen, CBS News, 6 Dec. 2025 Menstrual cups are usually made from either latex, silicone or thermoplastic elastomer, also known as TPE. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026 This model features a quality Zeiss continuous lens set into the lightweight TR90 thermoplastic frame that contains all the smart features controlled by a variety of sensors along the arms. — New Atlas, 24 June 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 7 Jul. 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

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