Vinyl Vs Plastic: Main Differences, How To Tell Them Apart

Vinyl vs plastic; what is the difference? How do you tell these words apart? If you are a Chemistry enthusiast, you already have an idea about these two words, but we will reveal more to give you an in-depth understanding.

The word vinyl has multiple definitions. In chemistry, it is a univalent radical derived from ethylene (CH2=CH-). It is also the medium on which music records are made or any compound/substance containing the vinyl radical. In contrast, plastic is a malleable/flexible hydrocarbon-based polymer.

The words vinyl and plastic are often used interchangeably because vinyl is a type of plastic. However, these are complex terms with specific differences. Keep it here for a vivid comparison between vinyl and plastic.

Definitions Of Vinyl And Plastic

A definition is a statement of the meaning of a word, symbol, term, or phrase. Defining a word provides clarity and explains its nature. That means you can use definitions to differentiate confusing words. Below are the definitions of the words vinyl and plastic:

Definition Of Vinyl

In Chemistry, the word vinyl is the noun for “the equivalent hydrocarbon radical (CH2=CH-), derived from ethylene. Therefore, vinyl is the synonym of Ethelyn. For example, in a sentence, “Vinyl is a good type of flexible or relatively tough plastic.”

Another Chemistry definition of vinyl is “the hypothetical radical C2H3, known as the residue of ethylene and related series of unsaturated hydrocarbons with ally homologous compounds.

Vinyl is “a synthetic resin or plastic made of polyvinyl chloride or a correlated polymer often used for making wallpaper, covering materials, and music records.” For example, in a sentence, “We chose vinyl floor tiles for our new home.”

Another definition is “all various compounds and substances containing the vinyl radical. For example, tough, flexible, or shiny plastics are vinyl. In a sentence, “You can create multiple products from vinyl.”

Some sources define vinyl as “a plastic made from a chemical.” For example, “The furniture covering at my grandma’s house is the perfect example of vinyl.”

A common definition in the musical industry is “a phonograph record as a medium.” A phonograph record is a disk made of a polymer used to record sound or music for playback on a phonograph. Here is an example: “The old Frank Sinatra record is the perfect example of a vinyl.”

Definition Of Plastic

Plastic is a synthetic, thermoplastic, or solid polymer based on hydrocarbons. It is a high-molecular-weight polymer, usually organic, moldable, and solid. For example, in a sentence, “Plastic is the most moldable material in manufacturing.”

Another definition for plastic is “any moldable material.” For example, “You can mold plastic into whatever product you want, then harden it.”

The slang definition of plastic is “a person who behaves arrogantly and thinks they are better than everyone else.” For example, “I like to steer clear of plastic individuals.”

As an adjective, plastic refers to something flexible or one you can mold.” For example, “The plastic fabric is great for 3D manufacturing.”

In Biology, plastic is the adjective for something capable of adapting to varying conditions. For example, “Plastic plants can thrive in any environmental condition.”

How To Properly Use Vinyl And Plastic In A Sentence

You can now use these words in sentences easily because you know their definitions. As you do that, below are some things to remember.

How To Use The Word Vinyl

Use this word as a countable noun when referring to any compound or substance made with the vinyl radical. So, in this context, you can use vinyls as the plural word form for vinyl. Here is a sentence example, “The manufacturers need rolls of vinyls to create furniture coverings.”

The word can also fit as an uncountable noun when referring to a phonograph record or a disc for recording sounds like music for playback. For example, in a sentence, “John has plenty of vinyl records and tapes in his music collection.”

How To Use The Word Plastic

Apply this word as a noun or adjective. Note that an adjective is a word that describes or modifies a noun or verb. So, use it as an adjective when discussing a flexible noun or something that can adapt to various conditions.

In a sentence, “The plastic species at the corner can adapt to various environmental conditions.” In this sentence, plastic is the adjective for species.

More so, use this word unofficially to refer to a person that is fake, arrogant, or believes that they are superior to others. For example, “Belinda has no friends because of her fake personality.”

Some people use this word as a metonymy for a credit or debit card instead of cash. For example, in a sentence, “Do not post images of your plastic online unless you want people to steal from you.”

Vinyl Vs Plastic: Some Exciting Similarities And Differences

The core similarity between plastic and vinyl is that vinyl is a type of plastic. Another similarity lies in their history. The word vinyl comes from the 1939 term “polyvinyl,” meaning “plastic or synthetic resin.” Vinyl came about as the short form for polyvinyl. However, its meaning changed in 1976, bringing about the differences between these terms.

The primary difference between vinyl and plastic is that vinyl is the name of an equivalent radical derived from ethylene. In contrast, plastic is a moldable synthetic thermoplastic made with a hydrocarbon-based polymer.

Another difference is that vinyl has two syllables, “vin-nyl,” and its correct pronunciation is /”vahyn-l/.” In contrast, plastic has two syllables, “plas-tic,” and its proper pronunciation is “/plas-tik/.” The definitions of “plastic” and “vinyl” also help explain their differences.

List Of Examples Of Vinyl And Plastic Use In Sentences

Many people fear using the word vinyl in sentences because of its complexity. The few people that use it only apply it when referring to a material on which musicians record their music and sounds. On the other hand, plastic is an easy word to apply because of its general definition. However, now that you know the intricate meanings of both words, feel free to use each in sentences more confidently. Here are some sentence examples you should consider:

Example sentences using the word vinyl

1. After waiting over a year, the group finally released their long-awaited song on vinyl.
2. I discovered hundreds of vinyl records in my grandmother’s basement.
3. Jane argued with her husband over the vinyl floor covers he bought without her consent.
4. We will use vinyl floor coverings to secure the exposed pin nails in the bathroom flooring.
5. You can use Magnesium Phenyl Bromide to produce triphenyl vinyl alcohol.

Example sentences using the word plastic

1. A small plastic bag fell out of Maria’s pocket as she ran away from her brother.
2. Please wrap the food in a plastic bag before placing it in the freezer.
3. Martha sliced the meat and placed it in a plastic container before leaving the house this morning.
4. Plastic is one of the most flexible materials in manufacturing, hence its vast applications.
5. The plastic coverings rattled as the wind whistled around the eaves in the jungle.

Conclusion

Plastic is a material you can subject to permanent deformation and forge various items from because of its flexibility or malleability. In contrast, vinyl is a material for making music records or a compound/substance containing the vinyl radical. Besides these words, several words in English confuse people.

We are happy to have taken it head-on to clarify these words to English speakers or learners. Do you have any words troubling you? Feel free to check out other words we have explained in this blog for clarity.