olefin

noun

ole·​fin ˈō-lə-fən 

1

: alkene

2

: a synthetic fiber (such as polypropylene) derived from an alkene

olefinic

ˌō-lə-ˈfi-nik 

adjective

Examples of olefin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This, in turn, is then converted to methanol and then finally to olefins. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 Jan. 2026

Know Your Carpet Type Vinegar works for most synthetic carpets like nylon, polyester and olefin. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2026

With a teak wood foundation, this set is made to last, and the 100% olefin seats are stain-resistant, and easy to clean! —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 14 Nov. 2025

Cotton or linen blends work if treated with a water-repellant finish (like Scotchgard), while Polyester, nylon, or olefin (polypropylene) are strong, budget-friendly, and inherently stain resistant. —Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from French (gaz) oléfiant ethylene, from Latin oleum

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for olefin

• polyolefin

Kids Definition

olefin

noun

ole·​fin ˈō-lə-fən 

: a chemical compound made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms that contains at least one double bond

especially : any of various long-chain synthetic polymers (as of ethylene) used especially as textile fibers

Medical Definition

olefin

noun

ole·​fin ˈō-lə-fən 

: alkene

olefinic

ˌō-lə-ˈfin-ik 

adjective