polyethylene
noun
poly·eth·yl·ene
ˌpä-lē-ˈe-thə-ˌlēn 
: a polymer of ethylene
especially
: any of various partially crystalline lightweight thermoplastics (CH2CH2)x that are resistant to chemicals and moisture, have good insulating properties, and are used especially in packaging and insulation
Examples of polyethylene in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The plastics most commonly used in packaging are polyethylene (of various densities), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and, to a lesser extent, polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
—
Alex Whiting, WIRED, 20 May 2022
But even trims made with the same polymers as the main material, such as polyethylene terephthalate, a.k.a.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 1 Nov. 2024
Researchers found that air samples taken from the playful marine mammals’ blow holes contained plastic polymer fibers and particles — including polyester and polyethylene terephthalate, or PET (the plastic used to make water bottles, string cheese wrappers and microwavable food trays).
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2024
The microplastics included polymers—chemical compounds that form plastic—such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a component of plastic packaging like water bottles.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for polyethylene 
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Alex Whiting, WIRED, 20 May 2022
But even trims made with the same polymers as the main material, such as polyethylene terephthalate, a.k.a.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 1 Nov. 2024
Researchers found that air samples taken from the playful marine mammals’ blow holes contained plastic polymer fibers and particles — including polyester and polyethylene terephthalate, or PET (the plastic used to make water bottles, string cheese wrappers and microwavable food trays).
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2024
The microplastics included polymers—chemical compounds that form plastic—such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a component of plastic packaging like water bottles.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for polyethylene
Dictionary Entries Near polyethylene
Cite this Entry
“Polyethylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyethylene. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
polyethylene
noun
poly·eth·yl·ene
ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn
: a lightweight plastic resistant to chemicals and moisture and used chiefly in packaging
Medical Definition
polyethylene
noun
poly·eth·yl·ene
ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn
: a polymer of ethylene
especially
: any of various lightweight thermoplastics (CH2CH2)x that are resistant to chemicals and moisture and are used especially in packaging, insulation, surgical implants, prostheses, and tubing
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