Definition

A type of plastic that becomes hard and rigid when heated and cannot be remolded or reshaped after cooling.

Example

The engineer chose a thermoset for the project because of its durability and heat resistance.

Conversation

Have you ever worked with thermoset plastics before?

Yeah, I used some in my last project — they’re pretty durable.

I heard they're great for making strong parts.

Definitely! They hold up well under heat, which is a big plus.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Thermoset is formed from "thermo-" (from Greek "thermos", meaning hot or heat) and "set" (from Old French "set", meaning to cause to be in a specified state). The word refers to a type of plastic that is set into a permanent shape when heated, thus relating to heat and the process of setting.

Memory Tip

Think of 'heat' ('thermo-') being used to 'set' something into a permanent form — that's what thermoset means.

Visually Confused Words