Plaster

Definition

Plaster can function as a noun meaning a pasty mixture (typically of lime or gypsum) applied to walls or ceilings to form a smooth hard surface; it also denotes a medical dressing applied to protect or support injured skin. As a verb, it means to coat or cover (a surface) with such a mixture, or to apply a medical dressing to.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (transitive)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˈplæs.tər/
• Respelling: PLAS-ter

British English

• IPA: /ˈplɑː.stər/
• Respelling: PLAH-stuh

Etymology

Middle English: from Old French plastre, from Latin plastrum ‘plaster, salve’, from Greek plástēr ‘daub, plaster’.

Derivatives

• plastered (verb past)
• plastering (verb gerund/adjective)
• plasterer (noun)
• plasterboard (noun)
• plasterable (adjective)

Synonyms

• (noun) stucco, mortar, render, gesso
• (verb) coat, cover, render, apply

Antonyms

• (noun) bare masonry
• (verb) strip, remove, scrape off

Usage

Noun: The noun "plaster" is used in construction and medical contexts. For example, "They skimmed the walls with fresh plaster before painting," or "He covered the cut with a waterproof plaster to keep it clean."

Verb: As a verb, "to plaster" means to apply a layer of plaster or to affix a dressing. For example, "The mason plastered the ceiling to hide the cracks," or "She plastered the sprained ankle with a rigid support."

Related Terms

• Stucco: A decorative or protective plaster coating for walls.
• Mortar: A mixture for bonding bricks or stones.
• Render: A coat of plaster or cement applied to an external wall.
• Gesso: A primer made of chalk and glue for painting surfaces.
• Bandage: A strip of material used to bind a wound.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A pasty mixture of lime, gypsum, or cement applied to surfaces – used to form a smooth, hard finish on walls or ceilings.
  • Example: "After patching the holes, they applied a thin layer of plaster to blend the repair."
• A small adhesive dressing applied to minor wounds – a medical plaster or “band-aid.”
  • Example: "She covered the blister with a breathable plaster to protect it."

Verb

• To coat or cover with plaster – to spread a layer of plaster over a surface.
  • Example: "They plastered the rough brick walls to prepare them for wallpaper."
• To apply a medical dressing – to affix a plaster to a wound or injured part.
  • Example: "He plastered bandages around his sprained wrist for support."