polyethylene

noun

poly·​eth·​yl·​ene ˌpä-lē-ˈe-thə-ˌlēn How to pronounce polyethylene (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The planter is designed with recycled, high-grade polyethylene to avoid fading in the hot summer sun and cracking in cold winters. Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Jan. 2025 The polyethylene also creates greater resiliency against uplift. Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2024 Most research around microplastics pollution focus on materials like polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene (PS) that have become ubiquitous in modern life. Laurie Winkless, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 The internal cabling has been upgraded, with a polyethylene dielectric and Linear Crystal Oxygen Free Copper conductors for optimal signal transfer. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for polyethylene 

Word History

Etymology

poly- + ethylene

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polyethylene was in 1862

Dictionary Entries Near polyethylene

Cite this Entry

“Polyethylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyethylene. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

polyethylene

noun
poly·​eth·​yl·​ene ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn How to pronounce polyethylene (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce polyethylene (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on polyethylene

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