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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American chemist Carl Marvel actually made polyethylene by a different method before the ICI team, in the early 1930s.
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.
1862
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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