polyester

American  

[pol-ee-es-ter, pol-ee-es-ter] / ˈpɒl iˌɛs tər, ˌpɒl iˈɛs tər /

noun

1. Chemistry. a polymer in which the monomer units are linked together by the group –COO–, usually formed by polymerizing a polyhydric alcohol with a polybasic acid: used chiefly in the manufacture of resins, plastics, and textile fibers.

2. Also called poly.  a fabric made from such textile fibers.

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polyester British  

/ ˌpɒlɪˈɛstə /

noun

1. any of a large class of synthetic materials that are polymers containing recurring -COO- groups: used as plastics, textile fibres, and adhesives

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polyester Scientific  

/ pŏl′ē-ĕs′tər /

1. Any of various mostly synthetic polymers that are light, strong resins resistant to weather and corrosion. Polyesters are long chains of esters and are used to make fibers and plastics. They are thermosetting. Some polyesters, such as suberin, occur naturally.

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Other Word Forms

• polyesterification
  noun

Etymology

Origin of polyester

First recorded in 1925–30; poly- + ester

Explanation

Polyester is a synthetic fabric used in everything from kayaks to shirts. Polyester clothes were popular in the 1970s, but they stink if you disco dance in them for too long. Polyester doesn’t breathe! You might think of polyester as a cheap alternative to a natural fabric like wool, silk, or cotton. In certain situations, though, polyester is ideal. Shirts that are a blend of cotton and polyester, for example, don't wrinkle easily; and a sofa covered in polyester is easy to clean. Polyester jackets are often quick drying or even waterproof. Polyester comes from a combination of two common words in chemistry, polymer (having many parts) and -ester (a chemical compound).

Example Sentences

Then in 2021 she photographed Amelia Dimoldenberg, journalist and creator of online series Chicken Shop Date, in Valentino and Polyester magazine.

From BBC • Jan. 5, 2025

Polyester, a product of the petroleum industry, is widely used in sportswear as the fabric is quick-drying and durable.

From Reuters • Oct. 25, 2023

Polyester has also become the fabric of choice for the fashion industry more broadly.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 30, 2023

Polyester fibers are making their way from laundry machines in North America and Europe all the way up to the Arctic, according to a new study.

From The Verge • Jan. 12, 2021

It involved a product called Polyester Staple Fibers — tiny fibers that make up suits and rugs — and a class-action suit on price fixing.

From Washington Post • Sep. 24, 2016