polyethylene glycol

American

noun

Chemistry.

any of a series of polymers of ethylene glycol, having a molecular weight of from about 200 to 6000, obtained by condensation of ethylene glycol or of ethylene oxide and water, used as an emulsifying agent and lubricant in ointments, creams, etc.

polyethylene glycol Scientific

Any of a family of polymers that are either colorless liquids or waxy solids and are soluble in water. They are present in many organic solvents. Polyethylene glycols are used in detergents, cosmetics, and as emulsifiers and plasticizers.

Etymology

Origin of polyethylene glycol

First recorded in 1885–90

Compare meaning

How does polyethylene-glycol compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

polyethylene glycol vs. ethylene glycol

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This became possible through the use of random copolymers of polyethylene glycol, which adsorbs water well, and polypropylene glycol, which adsorbs water slightly less well.

From Science Daily • Nov. 27, 2024

It is the polymer polyethylene glycol 3350, or PEG 3350 for short.

From Scientific American • Sep. 15, 2023

Bilix’s co-founder, chemist Sangyong Jon of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, and colleagues overcame these problems by affixing the water-soluble molecule polyethylene glycol to one end of bilirubin.

From Science Magazine • Jun. 8, 2023

A: Your laxative contains polyethylene glycol 3350, a compound which pulls fluid into the digestive tract to make stool softer and easier to pass.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 15, 2023

Dr. Matthews compared drinking the polyethylene glycol to a cyclist biking up a hill instead of on flat ground.

From New York Times • Jul. 13, 2021

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023