plaster
The word evokes the image of a thick, malleable substance used to seal, smooth over, or protect. Whether it is construction material on a wall or an adhesive strip on skin, the central theme is 'covering' and 'filling gaps'.
In its physical sense, it suggests stability and rigidity once dried (as in a cast), but flexibility while wet. It carries a neutral to positive connotation of repair and healing.
When used as a verb, "plaster" often takes on a more aggressive or excessive tone. To "plaster" something implies covering an area completely and perhaps indiscriminately, such as filling a wall with posters or applying makeup too thickly.
Uncountable when referring to the wet building material used for walls ('a bucket of plaster'). Countable when referring to a small adhesive bandage for a cut ('I need a plaster from the first-aid kit').
💬Casual Conversation
The wall's cracking. I'm about to lose it if I can't just plaster this gap.
The wall's cracking. I'm about to lose it if I can't just plaster this gap.
Unauthorized structural modifications are strictly prohibited. Please cease and desist immediately.
Unauthorized structural modifications are strictly prohibited. Please cease and desist immediately.
Meanings
A soft mixture of lime, sand, or gypsum, mixed with water and spread on walls or ceilings to produce a smooth or decorative surface.
The workers applied a fresh layer of plaster to the damaged wall.
A small piece of adhesive material used to cover a cut or wound (British English).
I put a plaster on my finger after it started bleeding.
A hard cast made of gypsum that is used to keep a broken bone in place.
He had to wear a plaster cast on his arm for six weeks.
Phrasal Verbs
plaster over
to cover something in order to hide a flaw or a problem
The government tried to plaster over the cracks in the economy with temporary subsidies.