polyethylene glycol

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. any of a series of polymers of ethylene glycol, having a molecular weight of from about 200 to 6000, obtained by condensation of ethylene glycol or of ethylene oxide and water, used as an emulsifying agent and lubricant in ointments, creams, etc.

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polyethylene glycol Scientific  

1. Any of a family of polymers that are either colorless liquids or waxy solids and are soluble in water. They are present in many organic solvents. Polyethylene glycols are used in detergents, cosmetics, and as emulsifiers and plasticizers.

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Etymology

Origin of polyethylene glycol

First recorded in 1885–90

Compare meaning

How does polyethylene-glycol compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• polyethylene glycol vs. ethylene glycol

Example Sentences

This became possible through the use of random copolymers of polyethylene glycol, which adsorbs water well, and polypropylene glycol, which adsorbs water slightly less well.

From Science Daily • Nov. 27, 2024

It is the polymer polyethylene glycol 3350, or PEG 3350 for short.

From Scientific American • Sep. 15, 2023

A: Your laxative contains polyethylene glycol 3350, a compound which pulls fluid into the digestive tract to make stool softer and easier to pass.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 15, 2023

Other firms, including BioNTech and Arcturus Therapeutics, have begun to explore ways to eliminate polyethylene glycol, a compound that helps stabilize LNPs but has also been linked to some types of bad vaccine reactions.

From Science Magazine • May 12, 2022

Dr. Matthews compared drinking the polyethylene glycol to a cyclist biking up a hill instead of on flat ground.

From New York Times • Jul. 13, 2021