polystyrene

noun

poly·sty·rene | \ ˌpä-lē-ˈstī-ˌrēn

Definition of polystyrene

: a polymer of styrene especially : a rigid transparent thermoplastic that has good physical and electrical insulating properties and is used especially in molded products, foams, and sheet materials

Examples of polystyrene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web When researchers used a robot with wet surface material, polystyrene foam beads stuck to it, according to the study. — Megan Marples, CNN, 10 June 2022 Clearly polystyrene is a poor diet for the larvae, Rinke says. — Fionna Samuels, Scientific American, 9 June 2022 Instead of air, it's filled with polystyrene beads, a featherlight foam that floats on water while offering luxurious support. — Theresa Holland, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2022 These containers contain polystyrene, which makes up a large amount of the microplastics found in the oceans. — Beth Krietsch, SELF, 19 May 2022 An initiative designed to reduce single-use plastics and polystyrene food containers will be on the ballot, a move by environmentalists to bypass the Legislature, where such measures have repeatedly failed in the face of industry lobbying. — Susanne Ruststaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2022 Yes, the Ostrich Pillow looks ridiculous, but this wearable pillow-blanket hybrid envelops your whole head with cozy padding made from polystyrene microbeads. — Joe Jackson, Outside Online, 6 Jan. 2015 Similarly, the group recommended a ban on foodware and packaging made of polystyrene, which includes Styrofoam. — James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2022 The second most common type of plastic found in the samples was polystyrene (PS), which is often used in food packaging. — Jennifer Leman, Popular Mechanics, 31 Mar. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'polystyrene.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Buying Guide

Our Reviews team has selected the best beverage coolers.

Learn More About polystyrene

Dictionary Entries Near polystyrene

polystyle

polystyrene

polysulfide

Statistics for polystyrene

Last Updated

17 Jun 2022

Cite this Entry

“Polystyrene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polystyrene. Accessed 27 Jun. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for polystyrene

polystyrene

noun

poly·sty·rene | \ ˌpäl-i-ˈstī(ə)r-ˌēn

Medical Definition of polystyrene

: a polymer of styrene especially : a rigid transparent thermoplastic that has good physical and electrical insulating properties and is used especially in molded products, foams, and sheet materials