polypropylene

[pol-ee-proh-puh-leen]

noun Chemistry.

a plastic polymer of propylene, (C3H5)n, used chiefly for molded parts, electrical insulation, packaging, and fibers for wearing apparel.

Origin of polypropylene

First recorded in 1930–35; poly- + propylene

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for polypropylene

polypropylene

noun

any of various tough flexible synthetic thermoplastic materials made by polymerizing propylene and used for making moulded articles, laminates, bottles, pipes, and fibres for ropes, bristles, upholstery, and carpetsSystematic name: polypropene

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

polypropylene in Science

polypropylene

[pŏl′ē-prō′pə-lēn′]

Any of various thermoplastic resins that are polymers consisting of repeated branched units derived from propane and having the formula CH2CH(CH3), usually with the methane groups (CH3) all on one side of the chain. Polypropylenes are similar to polyethylenes but are harder and tougher and are used to make molded articles and fibers.

A fabric of fibers made from any of these resins.