polystyrene

American  

[pol-ee-stahy-reen, -steer-een] / ˌpɒl iˈstaɪ rin, -ˈstɪər in /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a clear plastic or stiff foam, a polymer of styrene, used chiefly as an insulator in refrigerators and air conditioners.

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polystyrene British  

/ ˌpɒlɪˈstaɪriːn /

noun

1. a synthetic thermoplastic material obtained by polymerizing styrene; used as a white rigid foam ( expanded polystyrene ) for insulating and packing and as a glasslike material in light fittings and water tanks

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polystyrene Scientific  

/ pŏl′ē-stī′rēn /

1. A brittle synthetic polymer composed of repeated styrene units. Polystyrene is transparent and rigid because the benzene rings in each styrene unit prevent the polystyrene chains from arranging themselves into a tight crystalline structure. Polystyrene has a wide variety of uses, especially as a solid foam for insulation and packaging.

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Etymology

Origin of polystyrene

First recorded in 1925–30; poly- + styrene

Compare meaning

How does polystyrene compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• polystyrene vs. Styrofoam

Example Sentences

Polystyrene can be chemically recycled using heat, but repeated treatments degrade the material, causing it to lose strength and flexibility.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2024

Polystyrene: While less eco-friendly due to its plastic composition, polystyrene is highly resistant and prevents your bones from chilling by retaining heat.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 20, 2023

Polystyrene foam, a kind of plastic made from fossil fuels and synthetic chemicals, has long been considered a scourge to public health and the environment.

From Salon • May 9, 2023

Polystyrene fills landfills, where it can often take 500 years to break down and decompose, researchers have found.

From Washington Post • Jun. 17, 2022

Polystyrene bans have previously been approved by three other local cities: Encinitas, Solana Beach and Imperial Beach.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 4, 2019