polyethylene

American  

[pol-ee-eth-uh-leen] / ˌpɒl iˈɛθ əˌlin /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a plastic polymer of ethylene used chiefly for containers, electrical insulation, and packaging.

---

polyethylene British  

/ ˌpɒlɪˈɛθɪˌliːn /

noun

1. another name for polythene

---

polyethylene Scientific  

/ pŏl′ē-ĕth′ə-lēn′ /

1. Any of various artificial resins consisting of many ethyl groups (CH ₂ CH ₂) joined end to end or in branched chains. Polyethylenes are easily molded and are resistant to other chemicals. They can be repeatedly softened and hardened by heating and cooling, and are used for many purposes, such as making containers, tubes, and packaging.

---

Etymology

Origin of polyethylene

First recorded in 1935–40; poly- + ethylene

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

polyethylene

The region normally accounts for nearly 25% of global polyethylene and polypropylene exports, making prolonged shipping disruptions a significant risk to Asian manufacturers and consumers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026

Dow noted that local prices increased 20% compared with a year ago, largely driven by gains in Packaging & Specialty Plastics, with higher polyethylene prices in all regions.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026

Although researchers detected microplastic-sized particles, only a very small number were identified as polyethylene, regardless of which pavement type they came from.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 28, 2026

In March, prices for polyethylene, the most commonly used plastic globally, rose to their highest point in nearly four years.

From Barron's ● May 12, 2026

I'd wrap the notes in polyethylene, put it in a sandwich box, and stash it away.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell