cast

Cast is a term with several related meanings in arts, industry, and medicine. In performing arts, a cast refers to the group of actors who perform in a play, film, or television production. The cast can be divided into principal or lead roles and supporting roles. Casting is the process of selecting actors for the parts, and casting directors oversee auditions and decisions about which performers fit the characters.

In manufacturing, casting is a method of forming objects by pouring a liquid material into a mold, allowing it to solidify, and then removing the finished part. Common casting processes include sand casting, investment casting, and die casting. The choice among these methods depends on factors such as material, size, desired accuracy, and surface finish. Cast parts are widely used across industries including automotive, aerospace, machinery, and consumer electronics.

In medicine, a cast is a rigid shell applied to immobilize a broken bone or injured limb while it heals. Casts are traditionally made of plaster but are increasingly made of fiberglass or composite materials. Care instructions typically include keeping the cast dry, monitoring for skin irritation or pressure points, and following guidance on activities and duration of immobilization.

Other uses of the word include the idiom “cast of characters,” referring to all the people appearing in a story or production, and the verb “to cast,” meaning to throw something, or to select, shape, or mold material or characters for a work. The term thus bridges art, engineering, and medicine through distinct but related ideas of composition and structure.