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

Sleep also assists with the regulation of neurotransmitter levels, metabolism, brain plasticity and the cleaning of toxic waste proteins from the brain. —Kristen Rogers, CNN, 19 Sep. 2024

Everything currently known to have antidepressant effects—from medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac) to exercise—increases plasticity as well and might augment other therapies for PTSD and addiction. —Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024

Taken together, these findings demonstrate the inherent plasticity of cellular systems and challenge the idea that cells and organisms can evolve only in predetermined ways. —Peter A Noble, Discover Magazine, 14 Sep. 2024

One way to improve your brain plasticity is to try new things. —Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 16 July 2024

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