Bakelite

American  

[bey-kuh-lahyt, beyk-lahyt] / ˈbeɪ kəˌlaɪt, ˈbeɪk laɪt /

Trademark.

1. a brand name for any of a series of thermosetting plastics prepared by heating phenol or cresol with formaldehyde and ammonia under pressure: used for radio cabinets, telephone receivers, electric insulators, and molded plastic ware.

---

Bakelite British  

/ ˈbeɪkəˌlaɪt /

noun

1. any one of a class of thermosetting resins used as electric insulators and for making plastic ware, telephone receivers, etc

---

Etymology

Origin of Bakelite

C20: named after L. H. Baekeland (1863–1944), Belgian-born US inventor; see _-ite ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Bakelite

Find insight on Anglo American, Sumitomo Bakelite, gold and more in the latest Market Talks covering Basic Materials.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026

Enck's book traces the history of plastic: from its earliest incarnation in 1909, when Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland invented Bakelite, through the "myth" of plastic recycling promoted by industry from the mid-20th century onward.

From Barron's ● Jan. 22, 2026

During her recent lecture on Bakelite, Bauer brought the candlestick telephone from her apartment and discussed the history of the plastic material.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 20, 2025

"I looked on YouTube for any tutorials on how to get the film out of it," said Sarah, adding the camera's body is made of card and mounted on a Bakelite frame.

From BBC ● May 27, 2024

She would have preferred to retreat upstairs to her room, but Leon finished the call with an echoing rattle of the Bakelite and turned to her.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan