polycarbonate

noun

poly·​car·​bon·​ate ˌpä-lē-ˈkär-bə-ˌnāt 

-nət

: any of various tough transparent thermoplastics characterized by high impact strength and high softening temperature

Examples of polycarbonate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The keycaps are made of concave polycarbonate for improved grip and durability. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025

The shell is made of ultra-durable and scratch-resistant polycarbonate that keeps the suitcase light (just over six pounds) despite providing a tough shield for your belongings. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025

Even the label’s hard polycarbonate cases feature leather trim details to honor Bric’s artisanal heritage. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 30 July 2025

It is made of highly durable but lightweight polycarbonate and features an expansion zipper that provides an extra inch of packing space for each bag. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 10 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

poly- + carbonate entry 1

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for polycarbonate

• borosilicate
• decontaminate
• deoxycholate
• deteriorate
• differentiate
• diisocyanate
• dinoflagellate
• excommunicate
• incapacitate
• insubordinate
• intercorporate
• interpenetrate