polyethylene glycol

noun

: any of a series of polymers H(OCH₂CH₂)_nOH where n is greater than three that vary from viscous liquids to waxy solids and are used especially as lubricants and in medical and biotechnological applications

—abbreviation PEG

Examples of polyethylene glycol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web What to Know About Mascara for Sensitive Eyes Check the Ingredients The most common ingredients that can cause eye irritation include synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, coal tar, polyethylene glycol, and formaldehyde. —

Daley Quinn, Health, 25 May 2023 The base material for these membranes is typically a flexible hydrogel such as polyethylene glycol diacrylate. —

IEEE Spectrum, 22 May 2023 Osmotic laxatives: The panel suggests adults with CIC use polyethylene glycol (PEG), which is an osmotic laxative. —

Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 2 June 2023 Miralax is a brand of polyethylene glycol. —

Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 5 May 2021 Yet another option would be nonabsorbable substances like polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX and others), lactulose, sorbitol and magnesium. —

Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 11 Apr. 2023 Once the polyethylene glycol has settled, the canoe will be removed from the tank and then freeze-dried. —

Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 30 Nov. 2021 Since Kosas abides by the same standards as Clean at Sephora and Credo, cosmetic chemist Perry Romanowski says the concealer's formula may be beneficial for people who wish to avoid certain chemicals like polyethylene glycol (PEGs), which are used to soften skin and stabilize oils. —

Sarah Han, Allure, 18 Jan. 2021 One component of the vaccines, polyethylene glycol (PEG), is also found in many medications and household products (such as shampoo) and is known to cause anaphylaxis in a small number of people, the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) says. —

Sarah Jacoby, SELF, 22 Dec. 2020 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polyethylene glycol.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of polyethylene glycol was in 1886

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Dictionary Entries Near polyethylene glycol

polyethylene

polyethylene glycol

polyethylene terephthalate

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Polyethylene glycol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyethylene%20glycol. Accessed 3 Oct. 2023.

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Medical Definition

polyethylene glycol

noun

: any of a series of polymers H(OCH₂CH₂)_nOH where n is greater than three that vary from viscous liquids to white solids and are used in medicine especially as laxatives and as bases for pharmaceutical ointments and cosmetic creams

—abbreviation PEG

Note: The covalent attachment of polyethylene glycol chains to biomolecules (see pegylation) is used especially to improve the bioavailability, solubility, and stability of therapeutic agents and to reduce their immunogenicity.