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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
Seven different types of microplastics were detected, with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) the most prevalent, according to the study.
—Jack Guy, CNN, 19 June 2024
The most abundant were polyethylene — the material found in plastic packaging, films and bottles — and polyvinyl chloride — a material found in most household water pipes.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2024
This was by design, as Casper wove special cooling fibers made of polyethylene yarn into the mattress cover.
—Dan Koday, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Apr. 2024
Although the number of cables proliferated, their speed and capacity stagnated until the introduction of two key advances during the 1920s and 1930s: coaxial copper cores and polyethylene insulation, which allowed individual cables to carry multiple voice channels and provided improved durability.
—Robert Martinage, Foreign Affairs, 1 Jan. 2015
See all Example Sentences for polyethylene
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polyethylene.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1862, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing polyethylene
Dictionary Entries Near polyethylene
Cite this Entry
“Polyethylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyethylene. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on polyethylene
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polyethylene
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