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 13-foot-tall, 13-foot-wide (four-meter) cylinder uses ultra-pure lead to block gamma rays and high-density polyethylene to absorb neutrons.
—
Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 18 Mar. 2026
Only 5% of colored shampoo and detergent bottles, made from polyethylene, or #1 plastic, are getting recycled.
—Susanne Rust
follow, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
Scientists can link individual petrochemical molecules to form polymers, which are long chains of repeating units that create materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene.
—André O. Hudson, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2026
Analysts predicted that the escalating Iran conflict will result in even higher polyethylene prices in the short term, which should translate into higher profits for Dow, the world’s largest producer of polyethylene.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polyethylene
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Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 18 Mar. 2026
Only 5% of colored shampoo and detergent bottles, made from polyethylene, or #1 plastic, are getting recycled.
—Susanne Rust
follow, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
Scientists can link individual petrochemical molecules to form polymers, which are long chains of repeating units that create materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene.
—André O. Hudson, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2026
Analysts predicted that the escalating Iran conflict will result in even higher polyethylene prices in the short term, which should translate into higher profits for Dow, the world’s largest producer of polyethylene.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polyethylene
Cite this Entry
“Polyethylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyethylene. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
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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