styrene

noun

sty·​rene ˈstī-ˌrēn How to pronounce styrene (audio)
: a fragrant liquid unsaturated hydrocarbon C8H8 used chiefly in making synthetic rubber, resins, and plastics and in improving drying oils
also : any of various synthetic plastics made from styrene by polymerization or copolymerization

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Jason Sewell, an on-scene coordinator for the EPA, said at a news conference Wednesday that the agency is testing for various toxins, including styrene and benzene. Matthew Mata, NBC News, 12 Apr. 2023 The process may pose health risks The CIPP process uses a mixture of chemicals – styrene is usually a key ingredient – to ensure the liner will harden into a new plastic pipe within the old damaged pipe. USA Today, 30 Mar. 2023 High levels of chemicals could pose long-term risks at Ohio train derailment site, researchers say Air quality tests conducted by the EPA found no evidence of toxic chemicals such as styrene or benzene as of mid-Wednesday morning, though tests are continuing as the smoke settles. Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN, 13 Apr. 2023 Julie Roe / via AP Jason Sewell, an on-scene coordinator for the EPA, said at a news conference Wednesday that the agency is testing for various toxins, including styrene and benzene. Safia Samee Ali, NBC News, 13 Apr. 2023 What the industry says The industry claims these fumes are safe and notes that a key compound in the emission – styrene – is found in nature. Monique O. Madan, USA TODAY, 1 Apr. 2023 One woman claimed her mother also died from health complications caused by styrene exposure from a CIPP project near her home in Florida. USA Today, 30 Mar. 2023 Meanwhile, the logistics of delivering expensive printing materials are currently more difficult to solve than for more standard 3D-print composites such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or PETG. IEEE Spectrum, 8 Mar. 2023 Overall, styrene and ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic gas, are the top two chemicals released into the air and water in Salinas, officials say. DÁnica Coto, ajc, 29 Jan. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'styrene.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin styrax

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of styrene was in 1885

Dictionary Entries Near styrene

Cite this Entry

“Styrene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/styrene. Accessed 29 May. 2023.

Medical Definition

styrene

noun
sty·​rene ˈstī-ˌrēn How to pronounce styrene (audio)
: a fragrant liquid unsaturated hydrocarbon C8H8 used chiefly in making synthetic rubber, resins, and plastics and in improving drying oils
also : any of various synthetic plastics made from styrene by polymerization or copolymerization

More from Merriam-Webster on styrene

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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