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

Examples of styrene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In India, 12 people died and more than 580 were injured after a thermal runaway of styrene and release of styrene vapor occurred at the LG Polymers plant in the port city of Visakhapatnam in 2020. Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026 The Middle East conflict has driven up some of its input costs, specifically high-density polyethylene and styrene. Jeff Marks, CNBC, 26 May 2026 The electrodes were constructed by casting a slurry onto aluminum foil using binders such as polyvinylidene fluoride, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and styrene-butadiene rubber, along with conductive carbon additives. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 9 May 2026 The shelves and interior of the refrigerator and freezer generally consist of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or polypropylene, which are durable polymers. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 22 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for styrene

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Styrene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/styrene. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

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

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