polyethylene

noun

poly·​eth·​yl·​ene ˌpä-lē-ˈe-thə-ˌlēn 

: 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

Such bags included paper and high-density polyethylene plastic bags, which plastic companies argued could be reused. —Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 22 Sep. 2024

It is made with plastic or nonwoven fibers like polypropylene or polyethylene. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2024

That means propylene derived from polyethylene, and both propylene and isobutylene derived from polypropylene. —Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 21 Sep. 2024

Through their program called Ocean Impact Plastic, recovered, usable PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastics are made into GOT BAGS, while other plastics are diverted to appropriate recycling centers. —Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 11 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

poly- + ethylene

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing polyethylene

• polyethylene glycol

Kids Definition

polyethylene

noun

poly·​eth·​yl·​ene ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn 

: a lightweight plastic resistant to chemicals and moisture and used chiefly in packaging

Medical Definition

polyethylene

noun

poly·​eth·​yl·​ene ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn 

: 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