propylene

noun

pro·​pyl·​ene ˈprō-pə-ˌlēn How to pronounce propylene (audio)
: a flammable gaseous hydrocarbon C3H6 obtained by cracking petroleum hydrocarbons and used chiefly in organic synthesis

Examples of propylene 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.
To make plastic, petroleum refineries isolate hydrocarbons and then crack those hydrocarbons into even smaller compounds like ethylene or propylene. Megha Satyanarayana, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2025 The reaction was successful, converting the mixture into propylene and isobutylene, with slightly more propylene than isobutylene. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 21 Sep. 2024 The entire chain is catalyzed until polyethylene is fully converted to propylene, and polypropylene is converted to a mixture of propylene and isobutylene. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 21 Sep. 2024 That means propylene derived from polyethylene, and both propylene and isobutylene derived from polypropylene. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 21 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for propylene

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of propylene was in 1850

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Cite this Entry

“Propylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propylene. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

propylene

noun
pro·​pyl·​ene ˈprō-pə-ˌlēn How to pronounce propylene (audio)
: a flammable gaseous hydrocarbon C3H6 obtained by cracking petroleum hydrocarbons and used chiefly in organic synthesis

called also propene

More from Merriam-Webster on propylene

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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