polypropylene

American  

[pol-ee-proh-puh-leen] / ˌpɒl iˈproʊ pəˌlin /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a plastic polymer of propylene, (C 3 H5 ) n , used chiefly for molded parts, electrical insulation, packaging, and fibers for wearing apparel.

---

polypropylene British  

/ ˌpɒlɪˈprəʊpɪˌliːn /

noun

1. Systematic name: polypropene.  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 carpets

---

polypropylene Scientific  

/ pŏl′ē-prō′pə-lēn′ /

1. Any of various thermoplastic resins that are polymers consisting of repeated branched units derived from propane and having the formula CH ₂ CH(CH ₃), usually with the methane groups (CH ₃) 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.

2. A fabric of fibers made from any of these resins.

---

Etymology

Origin of polypropylene

First recorded in 1930–35; poly- + propylene

Example Sentences

Similarly, polypropylene, commonly used in packaging for medical supplies, cleaning supplies, and even furniture, also comes through the strait, with about 42% of the world’s supply coming from the region.

From Salon • Mar. 30, 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

Keurig started selling K-cups pods made of polypropylene in 2016, with the goal of making 100 percent of K-cup pods "recyclable" by 2020.

From Salon • Dec. 19, 2024

The mesh, which is usually made from synthetic polypropylene, is intended to repair damaged or weakened tissue.

From BBC • Jul. 18, 2024

Shivering hard, I zipped my body into three layers of fuzzy polypropylene pile underwear and an outer shell of windproof nylon, then pulled my clunky plastic boots on.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer