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

Unlike many patio chairs, this lounger also includes the cushions, which are made with 100 percent olefin fabric filled with foam and fiber batting for comfy seating that stays plush with regular use. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 10 Aug. 2025

There are also plastics, largely made from chemicals like olefins that come from breaking of crude oil molecules. —Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025

Trending Video Watch the 2025 Met Gala Red Carpet Replay - Presented by eBay & 1800 Tequila Common materials for outdoor rugs include polyester, jute, olefin, nylon, sisal, and polypropylene. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 14 May 2025

The cushions are covered in olefin fabric, a performance material that's resistant to fading, stains, and mildew. —Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 7 May 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