plasticity: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Academic / Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “plasticity” mean?
The quality of being easily shaped or moulded.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality of being easily shaped or moulded; adaptability.
The capacity of a material, system, or organism to change its form, structure, or function in response to external influences, especially the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical technical/scientific connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to larger volume of neuroscience and psychology research literature, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “plasticity” in a Sentence
The plasticity of [NOUN PHRASE] (e.g., the brain)[NOUN PHRASE] exhibits/show plasticityPlasticity in [NOUN PHRASE]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “plasticity” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No direct verb form. Use 'make plastic' or 'demonstrate plasticity'.]
American English
- [No direct verb form. Use 'exhibit plasticity' or 'show plasticity'.]
adverb
British English
- plastically
- The material deforms plastically under stress, rather than returning to its original shape.
American English
- plastically
- The neural network responded plastically to the new sensory input.
adjective
British English
- plastic
- The clay was highly plastic and easy to work with.
American English
- plastic
- Researchers studied the plastic properties of the developing cortex.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically: 'The plasticity of our business model allowed us to pivot quickly.'
Academic
Primary context. 'Research focuses on the neural plasticity underlying learning and memory.'
Everyday
Very rare. A layperson might say 'flexibility' or 'adaptability' instead.
Technical
Core context in neuroscience, materials science, biology. 'The polymer's thermal plasticity determines its manufacturing applications.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “plasticity”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “plasticity”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “plasticity”
- Using 'plasticity' in casual conversation where 'flexibility' is intended.
- Misspelling as 'plasticty' or 'plastisity'.
- Using it as a synonym for 'creativity'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In casual use, they are similar. However, 'plasticity' is a more technical term implying a permanent or semi-permanent change in form (like moulding clay), whereas 'flexibility' often implies a temporary change (like bending a spring).
It's unusual in everyday descriptions. You might say 'cognitive plasticity' in a psychology context. For personality, 'adaptability' is more common.
'Neuroplasticity' is a specific subtype of plasticity referring exclusively to the nervous system and brain. 'Plasticity' is the broader term applicable to materials, biology, etc.
It is neutral and descriptive. In neuroscience, it is overwhelmingly positive, associated with learning and recovery. In some engineering contexts, excessive plasticity might be undesirable if rigidity is needed.
The quality of being easily shaped or moulded.
Plasticity is usually academic / technical / scientific in register.
Plasticity: in British English it is pronounced /plaˈstɪs.ə.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /plæˈstɪs.ə.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly use 'plasticity'. The concept is expressed metaphorically, e.g., 'a brain like plasticine'.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PLASTIC-ity'. Just as plastic material can be moulded into new shapes, neural plasticity means your brain can be 're-moulded' through experience.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BRAIN IS CLAY/MALLEABLE MATERIAL. Learning and experience shape and mould the physical structure of the brain.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'plasticity' most precisely and frequently used?