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

See Examples For:

polystyrene

She also raised the alarm about what she thought were bombs, but the prosecution explained that several plastic bottles filled with polystyrene were found, and no explosives.

From BBC ● May 18, 2026

Wilson believes that Snow Secure—the high-tech insulated polystyrene blanket that unfolds like an accordion, then drapes over a pile of snow—is just the invention.

From Slate ● Apr. 11, 2026

"Common plastics include polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate or PET. The majority of these microplastics are cleared from our bodies, however studies show they do accumulate in our organs, including our brains."

From Science Daily ● Mar. 13, 2026

The light polystyrene craft resembles a toy plane.

From Barron's ● Feb. 16, 2026

He said something to the guard on the other side of the door, who nodded and returned a minute later with a polystyrene cup filled with cold water.

From "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman