polystyrene
noun
poly·sty·rene
ˌpä-lē-ˈstī-ˌrēn 
: 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
Today, the production of polystyrene produces more than 12.5 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, and 15 million metric tonnes are produced every year, with a less than 1% recycle rate.
—
Jennifer Kite-Powell, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Abyssal microplastics appear to sink from the surface of the open ocean, and polystyrene particles increase the bioaccumulation of SSRIs in brine shrimp.
—Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 2 June 2024
Starting Wednesday, users of polystyrene foam ware in California are required to show that at least 25 percent of the products are recycled or stop using them, a de facto ban given the paltry rate of recycling for plastic foam ware.
—George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
The study found higher levels of toxic flame retardants in polystyrene plastic, which is labeled with the number 6, said Liu.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for polystyrene
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.
Jennifer Kite-Powell, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Abyssal microplastics appear to sink from the surface of the open ocean, and polystyrene particles increase the bioaccumulation of SSRIs in brine shrimp.
—Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 2 June 2024
Starting Wednesday, users of polystyrene foam ware in California are required to show that at least 25 percent of the products are recycled or stop using them, a de facto ban given the paltry rate of recycling for plastic foam ware.
—George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
The study found higher levels of toxic flame retardants in polystyrene plastic, which is labeled with the number 6, said Liu.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for polystyrene
Cite this Entry
“Polystyrene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polystyrene. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
polystyrene
noun
poly·sty·rene
ˌpäl-i-ˈstī(ə)r-ˌēn
: 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
: 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share