polystyrene

noun

poly·​sty·​rene ˌpä-lē-ˈstī-ˌrēn How to pronounce polystyrene (audio)
: 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
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 drone’s body is constructed from polystyrene and plywood, unlike the aluminum or composite materials typically used in most military drones. Vikram Mittal, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024 Next, the team cut black polystyrene food containers and coffee cup lids into small pieces, then subjected those to the light treatment. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 25 Nov. 2024 The exemptions for those businesses were intentionally timed to end when a state polystyrene ban is expected to take effect on Jan. 1 next year. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2024 The scientists then processed those styrenes and the reclaimed carbon black particles, turning them back into solid polystyrene. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for polystyrene 

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polystyrene was in 1927

Dictionary Entries Near polystyrene

Cite this Entry

“Polystyrene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polystyrene. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

polystyrene

noun
poly·​sty·​rene ˌpäl-i-ˈstī(ə)r-ˌēn How to pronounce polystyrene (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce polystyrene (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on polystyrene

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