Meaning & use
plasticize
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Meanings
verbtransitivetechnical
To treat a material with a substance that makes it softer, more flexible, or easier to shape.
Grammar: Takes an object: plasticize the resin.
Patterns
- plasticize something
- plasticize something with something
The manufacturer plasticizes the PVC before molding it into pipes.
Adding the oil plasticizes the mixture so it can be spread more easily.
verbintransitivetechnical
To become soft and flexible after being treated with a plasticizer.
Grammar: No object; often used with 'when' or 'at' to show the condition.
Patterns
- plasticize at a temperature
- plasticize when heated
The polymer plasticizes at around 80°C.
This type of clay plasticizes when water is added.
Word forms
| third person singular | plasticizes |
|---|---|
| past tense | plasticized |
| past participle | plasticized |
| -ing form | plasticizing |
Common combinations
- plasticize a material
- The factory plasticizes the material to make it less brittle.
- plasticize with a chemical
- They plasticize the compound with a special additive.
- heat and plasticize
- Heat and plasticize the sample before testing its strength.
Synonyms and how they differ
- soften
- Soften is a general word for making something less hard; plasticize is a technical term about adding a plasticizer.
- condition
- Condition can mean to treat a material to improve it, but it does not necessarily involve making it flexible.
Opposites
Word family
- plasticizer noun
- A substance added to make a material softer and more flexible.
- plasticization noun
- The process of making a material soft and flexible.
- plastic adjective
- Made of plastic; also able to be shaped.
Commonly confused: plasticize or plasticise?
plasticize vs plasticise
This is the British spelling of the same word; use 'plasticize' in American English.
Practice
The technician ___ the resin to make it easier to shape.
Choose one answer.
The subject 'technician' is third person singular, so the verb needs -s: 'plasticizes'. 'Plasticize' is the base form, 'plasticizing' is the -ing form, and 'plasticized' is past tense, which would not agree with the present-tense subject.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “plasticize”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.