polythene

American  

[pol-uh-theen] / ˈpɒl əˌθin /

noun

Chemistry, British.

1. polyethylene.

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polythene British  

/ ˈpɒlɪˌθiːn /

noun

1. Also called: polyethylene.  Systematic name: polyethene.  any one of various light thermoplastic materials made from ethylene with properties depending on the molecular weight of the polymer. The common forms are a waxy flexible plastic ( low-density polythene ) and a tougher rigid more crystalline form ( high-density polythene ). Polythene is used for packaging, moulded articles, pipes and tubing, insulation, textiles, and coatings on metal

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Etymology

Origin of polythene

First recorded in 1935–40; by shortening

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

polythene

People living in towns and cities use discarded cans, old newspapers, foil, cellophane and polythene bags as substitutes.

From Salon ● May 16, 2023

"Come on, lads - where are you?" he whispers, scouring the album for two Hull D-Day veterans among the dozens eyeing us from within their polythene pockets, each image numbered.

From BBC ● Nov. 11, 2022

A court heard that the fire started after O'Malley emptied ash and embers from a fuel fire into a polythene bag, and then put it in a cupboard of kindling and newspapers.

From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2022

In March, German researchers revealed a bug that feasts on toxic polyurethane, while earlier work has shown that wax moth larvae – usually bred as fish bait – can eat up polythene bags.

From The Guardian ● Apr. 8, 2020

She got out of bed and looked at the oval travelling alarm clock On the wardrobe door, the cream-coloured linen suit hung, showing palely through its polythene.

From "I'm the King of the Castle" by Susan Hill