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

Low-density polyethylene is primarily used in plastic film such as shrink wrap and plastic bags. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 29 Mar. 2025

There are different materials for chin implants, but the two most common are silicone and porous polyethylene, a synthetic thermoplastic. —Macey Hall, Allure, 27 Mar. 2025

Bottle cap technology Most bottle caps for single-use bottles are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). —Erik Kobayashi-Solomon, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

The most common types of microplastic seen in the birds' lungs were chlorinated polyethylene—which is used, for example, to insulate pipes and wires—and butadiene rubber, a synthetic material used in the manufacture of tires. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 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