polystyrene

American  

[pol-ee-stahy-reen, -steer-een] / ˌpɒl iˈstaɪ rin, -ˈstɪər in /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a clear plastic or stiff foam, a polymer of styrene, used chiefly as an insulator in refrigerators and air conditioners.

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polystyrene British  

/ ˌpɒlɪˈstaɪriːn /

noun

1. a synthetic thermoplastic material obtained by polymerizing styrene; used as a white rigid foam ( expanded polystyrene ) for insulating and packing and as a glasslike material in light fittings and water tanks

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polystyrene Scientific  

/ pŏl′ē-stī′rēn /

1. A brittle synthetic polymer composed of repeated styrene units. Polystyrene is transparent and rigid because the benzene rings in each styrene unit prevent the polystyrene chains from arranging themselves into a tight crystalline structure. Polystyrene has a wide variety of uses, especially as a solid foam for insulation and packaging.

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Etymology

Origin of polystyrene

First recorded in 1925–30; poly- + styrene

Compare meaning

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

• polystyrene vs. Styrofoam

Example Sentences

The mound of rubbish is made up of what appears to be processed domestic waste, shredded plastics, polystyrene, tyres and other household items.

From BBC

Until now, the hexatic phase had only been observed in simplified model systems such as tightly packed polystyrene spheres.

From Science Daily

Other companies and trade groups that manufacture plastics that are banned in California — such as Dart, which produces polystyrene, and plastic bag manufacturers such as Amcor — support the bill.

From Los Angeles Times

Reports on abysmally low rates of recycling for milk cartons and polystyrene have been widely shared and known.

From Los Angeles Times

The cause of the fire has still not been determined, though authorities have said that polystyrene and protective netting placed on the outside of the windows facilitated its spread.

From BBC