The word plastic comes from the Latin word plasticus and the Greek word plastikos, which mean "able to be molded, pertaining to molding". In short, plastics are a moldable type of organic polymer.

 

Plastics existed long before they were first named - Parkesine was made in the 1800's. In recent decades, most plastics in use are petroleum-based; they have become one of the most popular materials, because they are cheap, durable, disposable, convenient, inert, easily shaped, and energy efficient.  [citation T2.17, T2.18]