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

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

Word History

Etymology

poly- + ethylene

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing polyethylene

• polyethylene glycol

Rhymes for polyethylene

• antisubmarine
• catecholamine
• dichlorobenzene
• dimethylamine
• diphenylamine
• ethanolamine
• hydroxylamine
• isobutylene
• mercaptopurine
• nucleoprotein
• penicillamine
• phenothiazine

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