polyethylene

noun

poly·​eth·​yl·​ene ˌpä-lē-ˈe-thə-ˌlēn 

: a polymer of ethylene

especially : any of various partially crystalline lightweight thermoplastics (CH₂CH₂)_x that are resistant to chemicals and moisture, have good insulating properties, and are used especially in packaging and insulation

Examples of polyethylene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Seven different types of microplastics were detected, with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) the most prevalent, according to the study. —Jack Guy, CNN, 19 June 2024

The most abundant were polyethylene — the material found in plastic packaging, films and bottles — and polyvinyl chloride — a material found in most household water pipes. —Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2024

This was by design, as Casper wove special cooling fibers made of polyethylene yarn into the mattress cover. —Dan Koday, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Apr. 2024

Although the number of cables proliferated, their speed and capacity stagnated until the introduction of two key advances during the 1920s and 1930s: coaxial copper cores and polyethylene insulation, which allowed individual cables to carry multiple voice channels and provided improved durability. —Robert Martinage, Foreign Affairs, 1 Jan. 2015

Word History

Etymology

poly- + ethylene

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing polyethylene

• polyethylene glycol

Kids Definition

polyethylene

noun

poly·​eth·​yl·​ene ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn 

: a lightweight plastic resistant to chemicals and moisture and used chiefly in packaging

Medical Definition

polyethylene

noun

poly·​eth·​yl·​ene ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn 

: a polymer of ethylene

especially : any of various lightweight thermoplastics (CH₂CH₂)_x that are resistant to chemicals and moisture and are used especially in packaging, insulation, surgical implants, prostheses, and tubing