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
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
An effort to ban the use of polystyrene takeout containers across Connecticut has, once again, ended up in the legislative trash bin.
—John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2026
Lower-quality plastics, like polycarbonate, polystyrene, and PVC, can release phthalates and bisphenols over time.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polystyrene
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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
An effort to ban the use of polystyrene takeout containers across Connecticut has, once again, ended up in the legislative trash bin.
—John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2026
Lower-quality plastics, like polycarbonate, polystyrene, and PVC, can release phthalates and bisphenols over time.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 28 Apr. 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 8 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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