polyethylene glycol

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.

polyethylene glycol

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of polyethylene glycol¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Based on polyethylene glycol, the gel is completely synthetic and can be produced easily and consistently in the lab, a challenge with some of the gels available now.

From MIT Technology Review

As health officials point out, polyethylene glycol, despite a similar name, isn’t antifreeze’s active ingredient.

From The Daily Beast

Vaccine doubters quickly reached for justification in terms of both existing science around rare allergenic responses to polyethylene glycol in the vaccine, as well as conspiracy theories relating to government control and a pandemic hoax.

From Nautilus

The risk is obviously highest for people who have known allergies to polyethylene glycol and they should probably avoid taking the mRNA vaccines.

From Science News