polyethylene

[pol-ee-eth-uh-leen]

noun

Chemistry.

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

polyethylene

/ ˌpɒlɪˈɛθɪˌliːn /

noun

1. another name for polythene

polyethylene

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of polyethylene¹

First recorded in 1935–40; poly- + ethylene

Example Sentences

Urea sales should also recover following Sabah plant’s turnaround, though weaker polyethylene prices and new capacity additions in China will continue to pressure the olefins and derivatives division, keeping 2026 outlook challenging, he adds.

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Dr Morgan adds that he calls polyethylene, a type of plastic commonly used in construction, "solid gasoline" because of its similar chemical structure and capacity to burn rapidly.

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That has particularly hurt prices for polyethylene, a plastic used in packaging.

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Although soy sauce containers are made of a recyclable plastic - polyethylene - their small size means they struggle to be processed by machines properly.

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With the refinery closing, the main industry at the plant is now the production of chemicals like ethylene, polyethylene and polypropylene, which are components in the manufacture of plastics.

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