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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