polyethylene
[pol-ee-eth-uh-leen]
- a plastic polymer of ethylene used chiefly for containers, electrical insulation, and packaging.
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Origin of polyethylene
Also called, British, polythene.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for polyethylene
Contemporary Examples
These substances are relatively harmless compared to longer-living man-made plastics like polyethylene.
Historical Examples
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
polyethylene
- another name for polythene
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for polyethylene
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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