polymerized from acrylonitrile
"The artist applied acrylic paint to the canvas, knowing it would dry into a durable film formed by polymers derived from acrylonitrile."
a glassy thermoplastic; can be cast and molded or used in coatings and adhesives
"The artist chose acrylic because its glassy, moldable nature allowed her to create durable sculptures without the need for expensive equipment."
used especially by artists
"The artist chose to paint her portrait in acrylic because it dries quickly and is easy to clean up."
a synthetic fabric
"The sweater was made entirely of soft acrylic fibers that kept her warm during the winter."
An acrylic resin.
"The artist applied a thin layer of clear acrylic to seal the watercolor painting."
Derived from acrylic acid or acrylonitrile.
"The artist chose to paint the portrait using acrylic because the medium is derived from acrylic acid and dries quickly."
In plain English: Acrylic is made from plastic that feels smooth and looks clear, often used for things like paint or fake nails.
"She painted her nails with bright red acrylic polish."
Usage: Use this adjective to describe items made of the lightweight, durable plastic known as plexiglass rather than glass itself. It is often confused with similar synthetic materials like polycarbonate when discussing shatter-resistant alternatives for windows and displays.
The word acrylic comes from the chemical substance acrolein, which was named for its sharp odor. Acrolein itself is derived from the Latin words acer, meaning "sharp," and olere, meaning "to smell."