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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

polyethylene

Packaging & Specialty Plastics sales rose 18% to $5.8 billion, reflecting higher polyethylene and functional polymers prices.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 22, 2026

While the biodegradable plastics were completely broken down within approximately nine to eleven months, conventional high-density polyethylene showed almost no decomposition.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2026

Others, including widely used polyethylene, are far more resistant to biological degradation.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2026

Understanding where and how polyethylene causes biological changes could help explain its potential role in liver disease.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 11, 2026

I'd wrap the notes in polyethylene, put it in a sandwich box, and stash it away.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

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