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
Examples of plasticity in a Sentence
we chose that type of clay for its greater plasticity
Recent Examples on the Web
Parallel processing of past and future memories through reactivation and synaptic plasticity mechanisms during sleep
Cleveland Clinic.
—
Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
The science behind language learning's impact on the brain lies in its ability to stimulate synaptic plasticity, the process by which neural connections are strengthened and refined.
—John Werner, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
In the case of neuromorphic computing, denser memory technology and new materials with non-volatile plasticity dynamics will be needed.
—Evan Ackerman, IEEE Spectrum, 1 Mar. 2019
By understanding how synaptic plasticity normally operates, scientists may be able to better understand what goes wrong in depression and then develop therapies to more effectively treat it.
—Takaki Komiyama, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plasticity
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Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
The science behind language learning's impact on the brain lies in its ability to stimulate synaptic plasticity, the process by which neural connections are strengthened and refined.
—John Werner, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
In the case of neuromorphic computing, denser memory technology and new materials with non-volatile plasticity dynamics will be needed.
—Evan Ackerman, IEEE Spectrum, 1 Mar. 2019
By understanding how synaptic plasticity normally operates, scientists may be able to better understand what goes wrong in depression and then develop therapies to more effectively treat it.
—Takaki Komiyama, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plasticity
Cite this Entry
“Plasticity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plasticity. Accessed 17 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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