plasters - Master This Word
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plasters Word Meanings
- a substance for coating walls and ceilings
- a bandage for protection or support
- to cover a surface with a substance
plasters Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
plasters Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈplɑːstə/
US
/ˈplæstər/
plasters Word Etymology
plaster: plast- = to form, -er = agent. Origin: Latin → Old French → English. Imagine spreading a soft, moldable material on a wall like icing on a cake, creating a smooth finish.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Plaster is a versatile term with both material and action senses. As a noun, it refers to a pasty mix of lime, gypsum, or cement that hardens into a smooth coating for walls, ceilings, or decorative surfaces, and it can also mean a medical bandage that protects a wound or provides support. As a verb, to plaster means to cover or coat a surface with plaster, plastering over imperfections and creating a level finish. In everyday use, you might hear, 'they plastered the walls with plaster' or 'she wore a plaster on her finger.' The word carries a practical, construction-oriented feel in buildings and a straightforward, care-related tone in medicine.
Usage Reminders
- 5 short reminders:
- - Plaster can be a material or a bandage, and forms change with tense (plaster, plastering, plastered).
- - British English uses 'a plaster' for a bandage; American English says 'Band-Aid' instead.
- - When talking about walls, you often refer to 'plaster' as a noun or the act of applying plaster.
- - 'Plaster' is distinct from 'cement' or 'concrete' in composition and use.
- - 'Plaster cast' is a different medical term (for immobilization) from 'plaster' the coating material.
Common Misconceptions
- Plaster is only a cement-like material used on walls.
- A plaster is only a medical bandage; it cannot be used on walls.
- Plaster and cement are the same thing.
- You never use plaster as a verb in English.
- All plaster finishes are the same no matter the surface.
Thinking Differences
Plaster is taught as both a material and a process; learners often mix up plaster with concrete or cement and confuse plaster with bandages. It's common to think plaster is only a medical term; also British vs American usage differs for the bandage sense.
Learning Tips
- Know the two main senses: material (wall coating) and medical bandage.
- Remember the verb form: plastering = applying plaster; plastered = finished.
- British English uses 'a plaster' for the bandage; Americans say Band-Aid.
- Use 'plaster' with walls, ceilings, or decorative surfaces; avoid mixing with cement terms.
- Common phrase: plaster cast (for a bone) is different from wall plaster.
- Watch particles: 'plaster' can be uncountable in some contexts.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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