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 bean bag is filled with polystyrene beads that conform to your shape.
—
Phoebe Sklansky, Parents, 25 Nov. 2023
There are also hardship exemptions for businesses that either can’t find any reasonable alternative to polystyrene or have entered into long-term contracts for non-compliant products before the new city law takes effect.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2023
Before, Nissin’s polystyrene cup was not suitable for the microwave.
—Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 27 Oct. 2023
When trying to assess the environmental impact of takeaway coffee cups, most experiments have focused on plastic lids and polystyrene cups.
—Sabrina Weiss, WIRED, 1 Sep. 2023
City council members were graded on their votes on ordinances including a climate plan update, a resolution to end oil and gas drilling in California and a single-use plastic ban, aimed at reducing polystyrene foam pollution.
—Deborah Sullivan Brennan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2023
In 1986, the Environmental Protection Agency declared the polystyrene manufacturing process the fifth largest source of hazardous waste.
—Ben Botkin, oregonlive, 5 Apr. 2023
These non-inflatable fruit floats are filled with soft, virtually weightless polystyrene beans.
—Theresa Holland, Travel + Leisure, 4 Apr. 2023
San Diego joins more than 130 other California cities with bans on polystyrene, including Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar and Imperial Beach.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2023
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Phoebe Sklansky, Parents, 25 Nov. 2023
There are also hardship exemptions for businesses that either can’t find any reasonable alternative to polystyrene or have entered into long-term contracts for non-compliant products before the new city law takes effect.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2023
Before, Nissin’s polystyrene cup was not suitable for the microwave.
—Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 27 Oct. 2023
When trying to assess the environmental impact of takeaway coffee cups, most experiments have focused on plastic lids and polystyrene cups.
—Sabrina Weiss, WIRED, 1 Sep. 2023
City council members were graded on their votes on ordinances including a climate plan update, a resolution to end oil and gas drilling in California and a single-use plastic ban, aimed at reducing polystyrene foam pollution.
—Deborah Sullivan Brennan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2023
In 1986, the Environmental Protection Agency declared the polystyrene manufacturing process the fifth largest source of hazardous waste.
—Ben Botkin, oregonlive, 5 Apr. 2023
These non-inflatable fruit floats are filled with soft, virtually weightless polystyrene beans.
—Theresa Holland, Travel + Leisure, 4 Apr. 2023
San Diego joins more than 130 other California cities with bans on polystyrene, including Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar and Imperial Beach.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polystyrene.' 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
1927, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near polystyrene
Cite this Entry
“Polystyrene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polystyrene. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.
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Kids 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
More from Merriam-Webster on polystyrene
Nglish: Translation of polystyrene for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polystyrene
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