thermoplastic

[thur-muh-plas-tik] /ˌθɜr məˈplæs tɪk/
adjective
1.
soft and pliable when heated, as some plastics, without any change of the inherent properties.
noun
2.
a plastic of this type.
Origin
1880-85; thermo- + plastic
Related forms
thermoplasticity
[thur-moh-pla-stis-i-tee] /ˌθɜr moʊ plæˈstɪs ɪ ti/ (Show IPA),
noun
nonthermoplastic, adjective, noun
Examples from the web for thermoplastic
  • As subsequent layers are added the molten thermoplastic fuses to the layers below.
  • Durable thermoplastic rubber housing will withstand severe weather and rough conditions.
  • The data would be encased in thermoplastic containers, and then stowed inside a metal casing.
  • Later he went in for tapioca and a thermoplastic that is equally gelatinous before it cools.
  • Smooth thermoplastic-elastomer pop-up handles, recessed wheels, and a zip-out suit compartment dress it up nicely.
  • Each bag of thermoplastic shall be legibly stenciled with the batch number and date of manufacture.
  • thermoplastic resins become soft when heated and may be shaped or molded while in a heated semi-fluid state.
British Dictionary definitions for thermoplastic

thermoplastic

/ˌθɜːməʊˈplæstɪk/
adjective
1.
(of a material, esp a synthetic plastic or resin) becoming soft when heated and rehardening on cooling without appreciable change of properties Compare thermosetting
noun
2.
a synthetic plastic or resin, such as polystyrene, with these properties
Derived Forms
thermoplasticity (ˌθɜːməʊplæˈstɪsɪtɪ) noun
Word Origin and History for thermoplastic
adj.

1883, see thermo- + plastic. As a noun from 1929.

thermoplastic in Science
thermoplastic
  (thûr'mə-plās'tĭk)   
Of or relating to a compound that can be repeatedly made soft and hard through heating and cooling. Polyethylene and polystyrene are thermoplastic resins. Compare thermosetting.