a composition, as of lime or gypsum, sand, water, and sometimes hair or other fiber, applied in a pasty form to walls, ceilings, etc., and allowed to harden and dry.
powdered gypsum.
plaster of Paris.
a solid or semisolid preparation spread upon cloth, plastic, or other material and applied to the body, especially for some healing purpose.
verb (used with object)
to cover (walls, ceilings, etc.) with plaster.
to treat with gypsum or plaster of Paris.
to lay flat like a layer of plaster.
to daub or fill with plaster or something similar.
to apply a plaster to (the body, a wound, etc.).
to overspread with something, especially thickly or excessively: a wall plastered with posters.
Informal.
to defeat decisively; trounce; drub.
to knock down or injure, as by a blow or beating.
to inflict serious damage or injury on by heavy bombing, shelling, or other means of attack.
Also Archaic, plais·ter[pley-ster] /ˈpleɪ stər/ .
Origin of plaster
First recorded before 1000; Middle English, Old English, from Medieval Latin plastrum “plaster” (both medical and building senses), aphetic variant of Latin emplastrum, from Greek émplastron “salve,” alteration of émplaston, neuter of émplastos “daubed”; see em-2, -plast
OTHER WORDS FROM plaster
plas·ter·er,nounplas·ter·i·ness,nounplas·ter·like,plas·ter·y,adjectivere·plas·ter,verb (used with object)
Their cement for coating walls is like ours; the stucco flat coloured, and the colours mixed with the plaster before laying on.
A Manual of the Historical Development of Art|G. G. (Gustavus George) Zerffi
For instance, behind the plaster is the modern metal lath so superior to the old wooden variety.
If You're Going to Live in the Country|Thomas H. Ormsbee and Richmond Huntley
Clara had a nightmare, and came near choking to death on Mr. Brewer's plaster—the locket, you know.
Seeing France with Uncle John|Anne Warner
It was not long before he went about as usual, although a long strip of plaster adorned one ear.
The Sheriff of Badger|George B. Pattullo
Oft with lying skill men veneer the plaster pillar with slabs of marble, and hide soft wood with strips of mahogany.
Right Living as a Fine Art|Newell Dwight Hillis
British Dictionary definitions for plaster
plaster
/ (ˈplɑːstə) /
noun
a mixture of lime, sand, and water, sometimes stiffened with hair or other fibres, that is applied to the surface of a wall or ceiling as a soft paste that hardens when dry
British, Australian and NZan adhesive strip of material, usually medicated, for dressing a cut, wound, etc
short for mustard plaster, plaster of Paris
verb
to coat (a wall, ceiling, etc) with plaster
(tr)to apply like plastershe plastered make-up on her face
(tr)to cause to lie flat or to adhere
(tr)to apply a plaster cast to
(tr)slangto strike or defeat with great force
Derived forms of plaster
plasterer, nounplastery, adjective
Word Origin for plaster
Old English, from Medieval Latin plastrum medicinal salve, building plaster, via Latin from Greek emplastron curative dressing, from em- + plassein to form