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high-density polyethylene

American  

noun

Chemistry.
  1. polyethylene consisting mainly of linear, or unbranched, chains with high crystallinity and melting point, and density of 0.96 or more, produced at low pressure and used chiefly for containers and articles made by injection molding. HDPE


Etymology

Origin of high-density polyethylene

First recorded in 1955–60


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

While the biodegradable plastics were completely broken down within approximately nine to eleven months, conventional high-density polyethylene showed almost no decomposition.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2026

SCG Chemical’s earnings should be aided by improved spreads for high-density polyethylene, polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride, the analyst says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026

It makes a fantastic product called Flexsteel, a spoolable pipe that combines the strength of steel with the corrosion resistance of high-density polyethylene, or HDPE.

From Barron's ● Jan. 16, 2026

Such bags included paper and high-density polyethylene plastic bags, which plastic companies argued could be reused.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 22, 2024

Made from high-density polyethylene and a metal frame, the nutcracker has a wide base that makes it extra sturdy, and its collapsible structure makes storage easy.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 17, 2021

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