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.

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polyethylene British  

/ ˌpɒlɪˈɛθɪˌliːn /

noun

1. another name for polythene

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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.

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Etymology

Origin of polyethylene

First recorded in 1935–40; poly- + ethylene

Example Sentences

Dow told customers this week that it plans to double a previously announced 15-cent-a-pound price hike for polyethylene, which is used to make products including bottles, bags, tubing and textiles.

From The Wall Street Journal

The global supply of polyethylene -- a derivative of naphtha that is ubiquitous, particularly in plastic packaging, bottles and pipes -- is also disrupted, with countries in the Middle East major exporters.

From Barron's

"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

“At the micro level, Iran represents a meaningful exporter of polyethylene and methanol, and potential export constraints or project delays could materially tighten global supply/demand balances over the next several years,” he says.

From Barron's

Three things drove the upgrade: profit improvement in polyethylene, a basic plastic product; seasonal demand improvement; and diminished capital uncertainty.

From Barron's