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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
The chair supports a maximum of 350 pounds and is built to withstand rain and wind due to its use of high-density polyethylene materials.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Apr. 2024
Some chemicals, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene (PE), were found in all three brands.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 16 Mar. 2024
Plastic wrap is made of thin sheets of polyethylene combined with a few extra adhesives.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2024
The middle layer of the mat is made out of moisture-absorbing polypropylene/polyethylene, helping to protect your flooring from water damage.
—Lee Alisha Williams, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2024
The researchers then examined the plaque and found polyethylene micro- and nano- particles in 150 of the patients.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024
Measurable amounts of polyethylene, a common plastic used in plastic wrap, plastic bags, and food and drink containers, were found in the plaque tissues of 150 people in the study.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 6 Mar. 2024
So at hundreds of millions of tons per year, sort of like polyethylene production.
—IEEE Spectrum, 9 Feb. 2024
The funnel and housing are made with durable polyethylene, and the shredder sits on strong steel legs.
—Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polyethylene.' 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
1862, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing polyethylene
Dictionary Entries Near polyethylene
Cite this Entry
“Polyethylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyethylene. Accessed 24 May. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on polyethylene
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polyethylene
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