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polyethylene glycol
noun
: any of a series of polymers H(OCH2CH2)nOH where n is greater than three that vary from viscous liquids to waxy solids and are used especially as lubricants and in medical and biotechnological applications
—abbreviation PEG
Examples of polyethylene glycol in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
It was treated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) which, as a petroleum product introduces very old (dead) carbon and thus distorts (makes dates far too old) radiocarbon dating, the professor told IE.
—Shubhangi Dua, Interesting Engineering, 26 June 2024
Unlisted ingredients More than half the inks my research team analyzed contained unlisted polyethylene glycol, also known as PEG.
—John Swierk, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2024
Notably, among these additives is polyethylene glycol, a medication used for managing constipation, according to the National Institute of Health.
—Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024
The team simulated drought conditions by exposing plants to polyethylene glycol—a polymer often used in experiments to induce water deficit—or by withholding water, then sent a current through the crops.
—IEEE Spectrum, 11 Dec. 2023
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Word History
First Known Use
1886, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of polyethylene glycol was
in 1886
Dictionary Entries Near polyethylene glycol
Cite this Entry
“Polyethylene glycol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyethylene%20glycol. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
polyethylene glycol
noun
: any of a series of polymers H(OCH2CH2)nOH where n is greater than three that vary from viscous liquids to white solids and are used in medicine especially as laxatives and as bases for pharmaceutical ointments and cosmetic creams
—abbreviation PEG
Note: The covalent attachment of polyethylene glycol chains to biomolecules (see pegylation) is used especially to improve the bioavailability, solubility, and stability of therapeutic agents and to reduce their immunogenicity.
More from Merriam-Webster on polyethylene glycol
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polyethylene glycol
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