polyethylene

[ pol-ee-eth-uh-leen ]

/ ˌpɒl iˈɛθ əˌlin /

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noun Chemistry.

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

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Also called, British, polythene.

Origin of polyethylene

First recorded in 1935–40; poly- + ethylene

Words nearby polyethylene

polyester, polyestrous, polyethene, polyether, polyethnic, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyfoam, polyfunctional, polygala, polygalaceous

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use polyethylene in a sentence

Even paints that stick to most plastics don’t grip to everything, especially polyethylene.
Yes, you can repaint plastic outdoor chairs|Jeanne Huber|February 8, 2021|Washington Post
Taking apart polyethylene molecules, for instance, requires temperatures over 400° Celsius.
Chemists are reimagining recycling to keep plastics out of landfills|Maria Temming|January 27, 2021|Science News
Stirring the film into a toluene solvent first dissolved the polyethylene layer.
Chemists are reimagining recycling to keep plastics out of landfills|Maria Temming|January 27, 2021|Science News
Those alternating segments latch onto plastic molecules of the same kind in a mixture, bringing polyethylene and polypropylene together.
Chemists are reimagining recycling to keep plastics out of landfills|Maria Temming|January 27, 2021|Science News

In a second test, the researchers mixed the compatibilizer into a melted blend of polyethylene and polypropylene.
Chemists are reimagining recycling to keep plastics out of landfills|Maria Temming|January 27, 2021|Science News
These substances are relatively harmless compared to longer-living man-made plastics like polyethylene.
Your Favorite Facewash Is Hurting Nemo|Alexa C. Kurzius|June 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
You seal each sample in a tiny polyethylene bag about ½ inch square.
The Atomic Fingerprint|Bernard Keisch
No, I haven't; we have some rugs, most of them are wrapped in polyethylene.
Warren Commission (2 of 26): Hearings Vol. II (of 15)|The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy
Specimens were stored in glycerin in glass shell vials having polyethylene stoppers.
The Baculum in Microtine Rodents|Sydney Anderson

British Dictionary definitions for polyethylene

polyethylene

/ (ˌpɒlɪˈɛθɪˌliːn) /

noun

another name for polythene

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for polyethylene

polyethylene

[ pŏl′ē-ĕth′ə-lēn′ ]

Any of various artificial resins consisting of many ethyl groups (CH2CH2) 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.