Any of various biodegradable polymers derived from lactic acid, some of which are used in a variety of medical applications and as a replacement for conventional petroleum-based plastics.
Origin
1940s.
Definition of polylactic acid in US English:
polylactic acid
noun
Any of various biodegradable polymers derived from lactic acid, some of which are used in a variety of medical applications and as a replacement for conventional petroleum-based plastics.