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 If the products are contaminated with other plastics, such as PVC or polystyrene, the outcome isn’t good. Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2024 The patriarch, Carl, runs a polystyrene empire (also known as styrofoam. Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 2 Sep. 2024 On the right are shelves containing large polystyrene boxes. Sandra Upson, WIRED, 25 July 2024 In the backdrop, the entire studio space is a hive of quiet activity with crew members getting ready for the afternoon shoot, while another 120 production workers build sets and props, with a handful of artists chiselling gargoyles and fake masonry out of polystyrene blocks. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 17 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for polystyrene 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polystyrene.' 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

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 17 Sep. 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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