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
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Depositphotos In a new MIT study – in partnership with Purdue, Northwestern, and Duke universities – chemists have discovered that inserting weaker bonds into polystyrene actually makes the material more resistant to damage.
—
Shirl Leigh
june 10, New Atlas, 10 June 2026
The first attaches bromine atoms to aromatic rings in the polystyrene, using gold as a catalyst.
—ArsTechnica, 8 June 2026
Standard polystyrene shattered or punctured easily under the stress.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 June 2026
The city has long pioneered environmental policies that have later been adopted across the country, from curbside recycling in the 1970s to a ban on polystyrene-foam takeout food containers in the 1980s.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for polystyrene
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Shirl Leigh
june 10, New Atlas, 10 June 2026
The first attaches bromine atoms to aromatic rings in the polystyrene, using gold as a catalyst.
—ArsTechnica, 8 June 2026
Standard polystyrene shattered or punctured easily under the stress.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 June 2026
The city has long pioneered environmental policies that have later been adopted across the country, from curbside recycling in the 1970s to a ban on polystyrene-foam takeout food containers in the 1980s.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for polystyrene
Cite this Entry
“Polystyrene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polystyrene. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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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