plastic element

Plastic \Plas"tic\ (pl[a^]s"t[i^]k), a. [L. plasticus, Gr. ?,
   fr. ? to form, mold: cf. F. plastique.]
   1. Having the power to give form or fashion to a mass of
      matter; as, the plastic hand of the Creator. --Prior.
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            See plastic Nature working to his end. --Pope.
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   2. Capable of being molded, formed, or modeled, as clay or
      plaster; -- used also figuratively; as, the plastic mind
      of a child.
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   3. Pertaining or appropriate to, or characteristic of,
      molding or modeling; produced by, or appearing as if
      produced by, molding or modeling; -- said of sculpture and
      the kindred arts, in distinction from painting and the
      graphic arts.
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            Medallions . . . fraught with the plastic beauty and
            grace of the palmy days of Italian art. --J. S.
                                                  Harford.
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   {Plastic clay} (Geol.), one of the beds of the Eocene period;
      -- so called because used in making pottery. --Lyell.

   {Plastic element} (Physiol.), one that bears within the germs
      of a higher form.

   {Plastic exudation} (Med.), an exudation thrown out upon a
      wounded surface and constituting the material of repair by
      which the process of healing is effected.

   {Plastic foods}. (Physiol.) See the second Note under {Food}.
      

   {Plastic force}. (Physiol.) See under {Force}.

   {Plastic operation}, an operation in plastic surgery.

   {Plastic surgery}, that branch of surgery which is concerned
      with the repair or restoration of lost, injured, or
      deformed parts of the body.
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