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

In other news affecting the Pacific coast: As of Jan. 1, expanded polystyrene plastic — the stuff of styrofoam, and a terrible pollutant of our bodies and the ocean — is banned in California. —Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2025

California’s ban on polystyrene was one of the biggest wins for environmentalists in the state’s recent history. —Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2025

Adding to the concern, tiny pieces of polystyrene microplastic have been found in our bodies, including the brain, blood, lungs, and kidneys. —Jamie Hailstone, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

Using a regular controller, players can control a tiny digital ship, firing nanoscale bullets to push around a physical polystyrene ball just a few microns wide. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 27 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for polystyrene

• acetylene
• adenosine
• amphetamine
• anthropocene
• antipyrine
• apomorphine
• apoprotein
• aquamarine
• arsphenamine
• azobenzene
• buprenorphine
• chlorobenzene

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