polypropylene

American  

[pol-ee-proh-puh-leen] / ˌpɒl iˈproʊ pəˌlin /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a plastic polymer of propylene, (C 3 H5 ) n , used chiefly for molded parts, electrical insulation, packaging, and fibers for wearing apparel.

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polypropylene British  

/ ˌpɒlɪˈprəʊpɪˌliːn /

noun

1. Systematic name: polypropene.  any of various tough flexible synthetic thermoplastic materials made by polymerizing propylene and used for making moulded articles, laminates, bottles, pipes, and fibres for ropes, bristles, upholstery, and carpets

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polypropylene Scientific  

/ pŏl′ē-prō′pə-lēn′ /

1. Any of various thermoplastic resins that are polymers consisting of repeated branched units derived from propane and having the formula CH ₂ CH(CH ₃), usually with the methane groups (CH ₃) all on one side of the chain. Polypropylenes are similar to polyethylenes but are harder and tougher and are used to make molded articles and fibers.

2. A fabric of fibers made from any of these resins.

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Etymology

Origin of polypropylene

First recorded in 1930–35; poly- + propylene

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

polypropylene

There’s no registration required — attendees just show up and grab one of the heavy-duty, polypropylene sacks the brothers provide and fill it with as much beach sand as they want.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026

That leaves polyethylene and polypropylene out of the process, even though they are among the most abundant plastics in the global waste stream.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 31, 2026

SCG Chemical’s earnings should be aided by improved spreads for high-density polyethylene, polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride, the analyst says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026

With the refinery closing, the main industry at the plant is now the production of chemicals like ethylene, polyethylene and polypropylene, which are components in the manufacture of plastics.

From BBC ● Mar. 16, 2025

Shivering hard, I zipped my body into three layers of fuzzy polypropylene pile underwear and an outer shell of windproof nylon, then pulled my clunky plastic boots on.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer