plaster

/ˈplɑːstə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈplæstər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈpla-stər/ (ame, mw) · /ˈplɑː.stər/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈplæs.tɚ/ (ame, ipa)

plaster — noun

  • plastersingular
  • plastersplural

1. a wet mixture spread on walls or ceilings that dries into a hard, smooth layer

1.名詞B2
釋義

a wet mixture spread on walls or ceilings that dries into a hard, smooth layer

例句

Workers spread wet plaster across the dining room ceiling this morning.

collocation: wet plaster

Cracked plaster fell from the hallway wall during last night's storm.

collocation: cracked plaster

同義詞
  • render

    often refers to a similar coating on outside walls rather than inside ones

  • stucco

    usually names a decorative outside wall finish

  • mortar

    mainly joins bricks or stones instead of making a smooth wall surface

文法句型

wet plaster

a layer of plaster

mix or spread plaster

用法筆記

Usually uncountable when you mean the building material itself. In repair talk, it often appears with verbs like mix, spread, crack, or dry.

常見錯誤

The wall needs more plasters.
The wall needs more plaster.
💡this building sense is usually uncountable.

2. a small sticky strip placed over a cut to keep it clean and safe

2.名詞A2
釋義

a small sticky strip placed over a cut to keep it clean and safe

例句

Eva put a plaster on her finger after slicing an apple.

phrase: put a plaster on

The first-aid box held plasters, tape, and a tiny pair of scissors.

usual plural: plasters

同義詞
  • bandage

    a broader word that can also mean a larger wrap

  • adhesive bandage

    a more exact medical term for the small sticky dressing

  • Band-Aid

    a brand name often used in everyday American English

文法句型

put a plaster on

a waterproof plaster

a box of plasters

用法筆記

Common in British English for a small adhesive bandage. American English usually says bandage or the brand name Band-Aid.

常見錯誤

The doctor wrapped a plaster around his ankle.
The doctor wrapped a bandage around his ankle.
💡a plaster is a small sticky strip, not a long wrap.

3. a hard cast around an injured arm or leg to keep it still

3.名詞B2
釋義

a hard cast around an injured arm or leg to keep it still

例句

After the bike crash, Noah's left arm stayed in plaster all summer.

pattern: be in plaster

Lily drew stars on her brother's plaster before he went home.

collocation: draw on the plaster

同義詞
  • cast

    the usual general word, especially in American English

  • plaster cast

    a fuller medical name for the same thing

  • splint

    supports an injured part but is not always a full hard shell

文法句型

be in plaster

sign the plaster

arm or leg in plaster

用法筆記

Most often used in the phrase 'be in plaster'. American English more often says cast for the hard covering itself.

常見錯誤

My leg was in a plaster for two months.
My leg was in plaster for two months.
💡this fixed phrase usually has no article.

plaster — verb