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plaster Definition

plas·ter (plas′tər, pläs′-)

noun

  1. a pasty mixture, as of lime or gypsum, sand, and water, which hardens on drying, for coating walls, ceilings, and partitions
  2. plaster of Paris
  3. a pasty preparation spread on cloth and applied to the body, used medicinally as a curative or counterirritant

Etymology: ME < OE plaster & OFr plastre, both < LL plastrum, for L emplastrum < Gr emplastron, plaster < emplassein, to daub over < en, on, in + plassein, to form: see plastic

transitive verb

  1. to cover, smear, overlay, etc. with or as with plaster
  2. to apply or affix like a plaster to plaster posters on walls
  3. to make lie smooth and flat
  4. to apply plaster of Paris as a treatment
  5. Informal to affect or strike with force

plaster Related Forms
plas′·terer noun plas′·tery adjective
plaster Synonyms

plaster

modif.

plaster of Paris, imitation, sham, cardboard, lath and plaster, plastered.

plaster Synonyms

plaster

n.

mortar, binding, coat, Portland cement, gypsum, lime, plaster of Paris; see also cement.

plaster Synonyms

plaster

v.

coat, bind, cement; see cover 1, face 3.

plaster Usage Examples

Object

  • grin: It didn't merely make me smile, it plastered a grin across my face.

Converse of object

  • crumble: The masonry could clearly be seen in places behind the brown crumbling plaster on the walls.
  • stick: I wrote back in January that the NHS needs major surgery, not the sticking plaster of extra money.
  • skim: Simply tap the surface with a hammer, then use a bolster chisel to get behind the skimmed plaster.

Adjective modifier

  • sticking: The new treatment is likened to having a sticking plaster connected to an iPod.
  • lime: For lime plaster you would normally use lime putty supplied in a tub.
  • self-coloured: The basic colors of the self-coloured plasters can be combined to create new colors.
  • painted: Reconstruction of the painted wall plaster on the wall shown above.
  • earthen: During the 3 days you will: Make and apply lime and earthen plasters which will include some sculptural bas relief work.
  • waterproof: Cover open wounds or sores with a waterproof plaster.

Modifies a noun

  • ceiling: Inside is a remarkable plaster ceiling bearing the date 1596.
  • molding: The construction was based on a steel skeleton, with fibrous plaster moldings used to good effect as in 1901.
  • cornice: Also, what is the best way to fix plaster cornice to the walls & ceilings?
  • infill: Coved roof with molded wooden ribs and plaster infill, lower than nave.
  • frieze: Bits of nice architectural decor, such as stained glass, a fine plaster frieze and lots of fancy drapes.
  • mold: Pieces are formed in plaster molds or shaped over wooden formers.

Noun used with modifier

  • gypsum: The cement and gypsum plaster was hacked off to allow the cob and stone walls to breathe.
  • one-coat: When applied over clay undercoat or one-coat plaster, the previous layers should be fully dry and shrinkage complete before applying finish coats.
  • undercoat: When applied over clay undercoat plaster, the previous layers should be fully dry and shrinkage complete before applying finish coats.

Preposition: of

  • paris: I had to have a boot made ( not my color really, plaster of paris!
plaster Quotes

Nos pe'  res avaient un Paris de pierre, nos fils auront un Paris de pla"  tre. Our fathers had a Parismade of stone; our sons will have a Paris made of plaster.

—Hugo,Victor Marie