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

But polyethylene prices have traded at a significant premium to what oil prices alone would imply since the start of the Iran war.

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

It finds the law will increase the cost of disposal between six and 14 times for common products, such as Windex bottles, made of polyethylene terephthalate.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

That causes the molecule to crack into hydrogen and ethylene, the basic building block of plastics such as polyethylene.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Most plastic water bottles are a form of polyethylene and around 40% of it comes from the Middle East.

From Salon • Mar. 30, 2026

Her mother put them all in the polyethylene bag, which she carried to the backyard, her steps quick, her faraway look unwavering.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie