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.

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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

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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.

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Etymology

Origin of polypropylene

First recorded in 1930–35; poly- + propylene

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

polypropylene

Even yogurt containers and margarine tubs — made of ubiquitous polypropylene, or #5 plastic — are being recycled at a rate of only 2% in the state, the report said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 15, 2026

SCG Chemical’s earnings should be aided by improved spreads for high-density polyethylene, polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride, the analyst says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026

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

From BBC ● Jul. 18, 2024

The researchers found they could clearly differentiate oils created from polyethylene versus polypropylene feedstocks.

From Science Daily ● May 22, 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