The word plastic derives from the Greek p?ast????

(plastikos) meaning "capable of

being shaped or molded" and, in turn, from p?ast?? (plastos) meaning "molded".[7]
[8]

The plasticity, or malleability, of the material during manufacture allows it to be

cast, pressed, or extruded into a variety of shapes, such as: films, fibers,
plates, tubes, bottles, boxes, amongst many others.

The common noun plastic should not be confused with the technical adjective
plastic. The adjective is applicable to any material which undergoes a plastic
deformation, or permanent change of shape, when strained beyond a certain point.
For example, aluminum which is stamped or forged exhibits plasticity in this sense,
but is not plastic in the common sense. By contrast, some plastics will, in their
finished forms, break before deforming and therefore are not plastic in the
technical sense.