plasticity

noun

plas·​tic·​i·​ty pla-ˈsti-sə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being plastic

especially : capacity for being molded or altered

2

: the ability to retain a shape attained by pressure deformation

3

: the capacity of organisms with the same genotype to vary in developmental pattern, in phenotype, or in behavior according to varying environmental conditions

4

: the capacity for continuous alteration of the neural pathways and synapses of the living brain and nervous system in response to experience or injury

Synonyms

• malleability

Examples of plasticity in a Sentence

we chose that type of clay for its greater plasticity

Recent Examples on the Web

These findings do not immediately suggest caffeine negatively impacts the brain but instead points to how the drug may induce a temporary neural plasticity that researchers think warrants further investigation. —New Atlas, 11 Feb. 2025

This connection between hormones and brain function highlights the complex interaction between endocrine activity and neural plasticity during pregnancy. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

This phenomenon in which an animal capitalizes on a necessary resource when it’s made available to them is known as dietary plasticity, according to Koprowski. —Julianna Bragg, CNN, 18 Dec. 2024

Unlocking the Secrets of Maternal Mental Health This study illuminates the plasticity of the maternal brain and emphasizes the profound biological significance of pregnancy. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

plasticity

noun

plas·​tic·​i·​ty pla-ˈstis-ət-ē 

: the quality or state of being plastic

especially : capacity for being molded or changed in form or shape

Medical Definition

plasticity

noun

plas·​tic·​i·​ty pla-ˈstis-ət-ē 

plural plasticities

1

: the quality or state of being plastic

especially : capacity for being molded or altered

2

: the ability to retain a shape attained by pressure deformation

3

: the capacity of organisms with the same genotype to vary in developmental pattern, in phenotype, or in behavior according to varying environmental conditions

4

: the capacity for continuous alteration of the neural pathways and synapses of the living brain and nervous system in response to experience or injury that involves the formation of new pathways and synapses and the elimination or modification of existing ones