polyethylene

noun

poly·​eth·​yl·​ene ˌpä-lē-ˈe-thə-ˌlēn How to pronounce polyethylene (audio)
: 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 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 Meanwhile, researchers found that most of the Anacostia’s microplastics were made of high-density polyethylene, a chemical commonly found in household products such as shampoo bottles and soap dispensers. Justin Wm. Moyer, Washington Post, 27 Nov. 2023 Not all plastic sheds are the same in terms of durability; look for models made with high-density polyethylene resin and those with ventilation. Adrienne Jordan, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Feb. 2024 The flagged polyethylene bristles on this broom are soft and flexible, allowing close proximity to the floor to sweep up large and small debris with ease. Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 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

Etymology

poly- + ethylene

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polyethylene was in 1862

Dictionary Entries Near polyethylene

Cite this Entry

“Polyethylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyethylene. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

polyethylene

noun
poly·​eth·​yl·​ene ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn How to pronounce polyethylene (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce polyethylene (audio)
: 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

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