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

At the risk of discouraging readers, this chapter’s protagonists will include cholecalciferol, ammonia, neonicotinoids, polyethylene, 17α-methyltestosterone, and diclofenac. — Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026

Two common types of plastic — polyethylene and polypropylene, used widely to make food containers, packaging, milk jugs and bottle caps — produced the most hydroxyl radicals detected by the researchers. — Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Scientists tested six common plastics—polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, PET, and acrylic—and all of them generated radicals. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 15 Oct. 2026

Min and his colleagues examined various microplastics—including polystyrene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate. — Payal Dhar, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

poly- + ethylene

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing polyethylene

• polyethylene glycol

Rhymes for polyethylene

• acetylene
• adamantine
• adenosine
• amphetamine
• anthropocene
• apoprotein
• aquamarine
• arsphenamine
• azobenzene
• buprenorphine
• catecholamine
• chlorobenzene

Kids 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