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

Additionally, the cushions are covered in olefin fabric—a sturdy performance fabric that is resistant to fading, stains, and mildew. —Nor'adila Hepburn, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2024

Thanks to its low production costs, olefin is a budget-friendly type of carpet. —Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Dec. 2023

It’s constructed from nylon and olefin with a latex backing and features a grippy back that keeps it in place without the additional need for a rug pad or rug tape. —Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 7 Nov. 2023

Price at time of publish: $27 The Details: 38 percent nylon, 24 percent merino wool, 22 percent olefin, 13 percent polyester, 3 percent spandex | S to XL | 5 inches | Machine wash cold. —Rena Behar, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2023

The least durable type of carpet tends to be olefin, which is a less expensive but mildew-resistant polypropylene material. —Kat De Naoum, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Aug. 2023

The cushions have a foam core with a soft polyester layer and are wrapped in olefin fabric, which is fade-resistant and easy to clean. —Quincy Bulin, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Aug. 2023

Additionally, the cushions are covered in olefin fabric—a sturdy performance fabric that’s fade-, stain-, and mildew-resistant. —Nor'adila Hepburn, Southern Living, 26 June 2023

Nylon is the most popular synthetic fiber, followed by olefin, polypropylene and polyester. —Laura Daily, Washington Post, 6 June 2023

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

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