olefin

noun

ole·​fin ˈō-lə-fən How to pronounce olefin (audio)
1
: alkene
2
: a synthetic fiber (such as polypropylene) derived from an alkene
olefinic adjective

Examples of olefin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 Their process involved taking molecules called silyl (pseudo) halides and treating them with a source of fluoride, removing elements from the former leave an anti-Bredt olefin behind. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for olefin

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of olefin was in 1860

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Olefin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/olefin. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

olefin

noun
ole·​fin ˈō-lə-fən How to pronounce olefin (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce olefin (audio)
: alkene
olefinic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on olefin

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