plaster
UK[ˈplɑːstə]US[ˈplæstər]
n
A soft mixture of lime, sand, and water that becomes hard when dry, used for coating walls and ceilings.
n
A small adhesive strip for covering cuts and wounds.
v
To cover a surface with a layer of plaster.
v
To make hair lie flat by applying a wet or sticky substance.
Morpheme Breakdown
plast
er
plast
moldable substance
er
agent/instrument suffix
Etymology
The word 'plaster' traces its lineage back to the Greek verb 'plassein', meaning 'to mold' or 'to shape'. This concept entered Latin as 'plastrum', referring to a moldable dressing for wounds. Borrowed into Old English via Old French as 'plastre', the term initially denoted a medicinal salve applied to mold to the body. Over time, its application broadened to include the building material used to mold smooth surfaces on walls, solidifying the core link between the ancient idea of shaping and the modern substances used for coating and covering.
Analysis
Structure: plast (moldable substance) + er (agent/instrument suffix)
'plast' originates from Greek 'plastos', meaning 'molded' or 'formed'. 'er' is an English agentive suffix from Old English '-ere', indicating a thing or person associated with an action.
Examples
The walls were old, with cracks showing through the plaster.
She put a plaster on the child's scraped knee.
He plastered his hair down with gel before the interview.