Definition of polyethylene
: a polymer of ethylene; especially : any of various partially crystalline lightweight thermoplastics (CH2CH2)x that are resistant to chemicals and moisture, have good insulating properties, and are used especially in packaging and insulation
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Recent Examples of polyethylene from the Web
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Those same panels — Reynobond composite material with a polyethylene core — also were used in the Grenfell Tower apartment building in London.
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Those same panels - Reynobond composite material with a polyethylene core - also were used in the Grenfell Tower apartment building in London.
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Arconic’s own 2016 marketing materials stated that the Reynobond panels with a polyethylene core shouldn’t be used in buildings over 10 meters high.
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The company manufactures three main types of Reynobond panel -- one with a polyethylene (PE) core, one with a fire retardant core and another with a non-combustible core, according to its website.
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The product, only slightly cheaper than fire-resistant alternatives, has a polyethylene core that is combustible.
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The building had been recently restored using aluminum cladding with a polyethylene core, which the British media suggests could have been made fire-resistant for only $6,300.
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The layers of polyethylene, as thin as plastic sandwich bags, sit neatly folded in a wooden box at the headquarters of World View Enterprises in Tucson, Arizona.
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Standard versions use plastic such as polyethylene for the core, while more expensive variants use fire-resistant material.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'polyethylene.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of polyethylene
1862
POLYETHYLENE Defined for English Language Learners
polyethylene
playDefinition of polyethylene for English Language Learners
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: a light and strong plastic that is used mainly in sheets for packaging
Medical Dictionary
polyethylene
playMedical Definition of polyethylene
: a polymer of ethylene; especially : any of various lightweight thermoplastics (CH2CH2)x that are resistant to chemicals and moisture and are used especially in packaging, insulation, surgical implants, prostheses, and tubing
Learn More about polyethylene
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polyethylene
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