plaster cast: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
IntermediateMedical, Everyday, Artistic
Quick answer
What does “plaster cast” mean?
a rigid shell made of plaster of Paris and bandage, molded to fit around a broken limb to immobilize it while it heals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a rigid shell made of plaster of Paris and bandage, molded to fit around a broken limb to immobilize it while it heals
A protective covering used in medicine and orthopedics; also, a copy or mold of a statue, sculpture, or object made by pouring plaster into a mold.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'plaster cast' is the standard term for the medical device. In US English, the terms 'cast' or 'plaster cast' are both used, but 'cast' is more common in everyday speech.
Connotations
No significant connotative differences. The term is neutral and functional in both varieties.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English; 'cast' is the dominant, more frequent term in US English for the medical object.
Grammar
How to Use “plaster cast” in a Sentence
have/get a plaster cast on [body part]put someone in a plaster casta plaster cast for a broken [bone]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “plaster cast” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The surgeon will plaster cast the fracture tomorrow.
- They plaster-casted his wrist in A&E.
American English
- The doctor decided to cast the break immediately.
- They casted her ankle in the ER.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in medical and anatomy texts to describe immobilization techniques.
Everyday
Commonly used when discussing injuries, accidents, and recovery.
Technical
Specific term in orthopedics and emergency medicine.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “plaster cast”
- Using 'plaster' alone to mean the cast (UK: 'He's got his leg in plaster' is correct, but 'He's got a plaster' is wrong). Confusing with 'bandage' or 'splint'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In medical contexts, yes, especially in UK English. In US English, 'cast' is more common. 'Plaster cast' can specify the material (plaster of Paris) as opposed to fibreglass.
It can be used informally/non-standardly as a verb (e.g., 'to plaster-cast a limb'), but the standard verb is 'to cast' or 'to put in a cast'.
A plaster cast is a rigid, custom-molded shell that completely encircles the limb. A splint is often a prefabricated support that doesn't fully encircle it, allowing for some swelling.
You say 'get your cast off', 'have the cast removed', or 'the cast was taken off'. The tool used is a 'cast saw'.
a rigid shell made of plaster of Paris and bandage, molded to fit around a broken limb to immobilize it while it heals.
Plaster cast is usually medical, everyday, artistic in register.
Plaster cast: in British English it is pronounced /ˈplɑːstə ˌkɑːst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈplæstɚ ˌkæst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[informal] In a cast up to the elbow/eyebrows.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of PLASTER covering a CAST of a broken statue – it's a hard cover for a broken bone.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A HARD SHELL; HEALING IS IMMOBILIZATION.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'plaster cast' LEAST likely to be used?