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polyethylene

noun poly·eth·yl·ene \ ˌpä-lē-ˈe-thə-ˌlēn \
|Updated on: 18 Jun 2018

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

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

in the meaning defined above

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POLYETHYLENE Defined for English Language Learners

polyethylene

noun

Definition of polyethylene for English Language Learners

  • : a light and strong plastic that is used mainly in sheets for packaging

Medical Dictionary

polyethylene

noun poly·eth·yl·ene \ ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn \

medical 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

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polyethylene

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