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

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

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, 2 Dec. 2024

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