polyethylene

noun

poly·​eth·​yl·​ene ˌpä-lē-ˈe-thə-ˌlēn How to pronounce polyethylene (audio)
: 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
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.
The team detected 12 different polymers, with polyethylene the most common. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 4 Feb. 2025 This plant would also make the US the largest polyethylene producer in the world, surpassing China. Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025 One item that made the list is polyethylene terephthalate, more commonly known as PET resin, the thermoplastic used to make plastic bottles. Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 22 Apr. 2025 When shopping for a mold-resistant shower curtain, look for eco-friendly water-repellent materials like PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate) or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate). Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for polyethylene

Word History

Etymology

poly- + ethylene

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polyethylene was in 1862

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Cite this Entry

“Polyethylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyethylene. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

polyethylene

noun
poly·​eth·​yl·​ene ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn How to pronounce polyethylene (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce polyethylene (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on polyethylene

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