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 polycarbonate shell is designed with impact-absorbing flexibility, while the ridged exterior helps disguise any surface scratches. —Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2025

Its futuristic shape is defined by a vessel-like structure decked in mirror-finish thermoregulatory polycarbonate, with the brand’s signature half-star, red logo standing out on top. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2025

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

The case is otherwise similar to the Modern Leather Case, with a polycarbonate frame wrapped around the supple Horween leather. —Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 20 Sep. 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