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 outer barrel is a sturdy polycarbonate, and the lens includes dust and splash protection, along with anti-smudge fluorine on its front glass. —PC Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025

Sherpani Meridian 22-inch Carry-on The Sherpani Meridian has an ultralight polycarbonate shell that the brand calls crush-proof and chip-resistant. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025

The safest solution is to block off railings by installing crystal-clear polycarbonate panels, which are extremely strong and can even handle a gently curved railing. —Nicole Kinning, Wired News, 6 Sep. 2025

Its spinners are crafted with ballistic nylon or sleek polycarbonate exteriors, designed to last years—even decades—of heavy travel. —Julie Loffredi, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 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