polyethylene

noun

poly·eth·yl·ene | \ ˌpä-lē-ˈe-thə-ˌlēn

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

Examples of polyethylene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The closed-cell polyethylene foam has a hexagonal 3D pattern that adds heat-trapping, comfort-inducing loft. — Adrienne Donica, Popular Mechanics, 17 June 2021 More expensive commodities, such as polyethylene and wood pulp, have translated into higher consumer prices for toilet paper, diapers and most products sold in plastic containers. — Martin Crutsinger, USA TODAY, 10 June 2021 More expensive commodities, such as polyethylene and wood pulp, have translated into higher consumer prices for toilet paper, diapers and most products sold in plastic containers. — Martin Crutsinger, Star Tribune, 10 June 2021 More expensive commodities, such as polyethylene and wood pulp, have translated into higher consumer prices for toilet paper, diapers and most products sold in plastic containers. — Martin Crutsinger, Anchorage Daily News, 10 June 2021 Its products, which are typically made from polyethylene, protect foods and other goods by providing heat resistance and sterility, and by creating barriers to oxygen, odor, ultraviolet rays and moisture. — Miriam Gottfried, WSJ, 6 May 2021 This has high quality 8 x 8 scrim and is made from heavy-duty polyethylene that weighs 2.36 oz/yd². — Chris Hachey, BGR, 18 May 2021 The source substances of polyethylene are mostly fossil fuels like petroleum and natural gas—another reason why the entire process draws the ire of environmental specialists. — Kingsley Kobo, Quartz, 16 May 2021 The polyethylene material is sturdy yet lightweight. — Chris Hachey, BGR, 4 May 2021

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.

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Dictionary Entries Near polyethylene

polyethylene terephthalate

polyfoil

Statistics for polyethylene

Last Updated

20 Jun 2021

Cite this Entry

“Polyethylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyethylene. Accessed 22 Jun. 2021.

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More Definitions for polyethylene

polyethylene

noun

English Language Learners Definition of polyethylene

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

See the full definition for polyethylene in the English Language Learners 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