polystyrene
noun
poly·sty·rene
ˌpä-lē-ˈstī-ˌrēn 
: 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
The technique usually relies on hollow glass spheres, polystyrene beads, aluminum flakes, or synthetic granules with special optical coatings to enhance the reflection of light.
—
Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 22 Aug. 2025
The law also banned polystyrene food containers like cups, plates and clamshell boxes, commonly known as Styrofoam, statewide, effective Jan. 1 of this year.
—Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2025
In 2023, an engineering company dug a series of trenches and boreholes up to 16 feet deep, unearthing a jumble of waste, including tires, plastic bags, timber, polystyrene and canisters.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
Dylan sunk his hand down in the polystyrene.
—Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polystyrene
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Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 22 Aug. 2025
The law also banned polystyrene food containers like cups, plates and clamshell boxes, commonly known as Styrofoam, statewide, effective Jan. 1 of this year.
—Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2025
In 2023, an engineering company dug a series of trenches and boreholes up to 16 feet deep, unearthing a jumble of waste, including tires, plastic bags, timber, polystyrene and canisters.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
Dylan sunk his hand down in the polystyrene.
—Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polystyrene
Cite this Entry
“Polystyrene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polystyrene. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
polystyrene
noun
poly·sty·rene
ˌpäl-i-ˈstī(ə)r-ˌēn
: a stiff transparent plastic used chiefly in molded products, foams, and sheet materials
Medical Definition
polystyrene
noun
poly·sty·rene
ˌpäl-i-ˈstī(ə)r-ˌēn
: 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
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