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

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

From Salon • Mar. 30, 2026

The paradox, noted BloombergNEF analyst Philip Geurts, is that major polyethylene producers like South Korea or Singapore "could have an advantage" given strong demand in other markets and rising prices.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

"In polyethylene and polypropylene production, for example, aromatic compounds help make the catalysts that control these industrial chemical processes more durable and more effective," explains David Scheschkewitz.

From Science Daily • Feb. 24, 2026

Following a briefing by Petronas Chemicals, he expects capacity additions to continue outpacing demand growth from 2026 to 2028, weighing on polyethylene operating rates.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 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