polyvinyl chloride

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a white, water-insoluble, thermoplastic resin, derived by the polymerization of vinyl chloride: used chiefly for thin coatings, insulation, and pipings.

polyvinyl chloride

noun

1. the full name of PVC

polyvinyl chloride

/ pŏl′ē-vī′nəl /

1. A synthetic resin, composed of repeating units of vinyl chloride (C 2 H 3 Cl). Polyvinyl chloride is very versatile and is used in a wide variety of products, including rainwear, garden hoses, audio discs, and floor tiles.

Word History and Origins

Origin of polyvinyl chloride¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

The tiny beads can be made of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and other plastics.

From Popular-Science

In recent weeks, the price of polyvinyl chloride, a chemical used to make plastic, has surged 70 percent.

From Vox