polytetrafluoroethylene

American  

[pol-ee-te-truh-floor-oh-eth-uh-leen, -flawr-, -flohr-] / ˌpɒl iˌtɛ trəˌflʊər oʊˈɛθ əˌlin, -ˌflɔr-, -ˌfloʊr- /

noun

Chemistry.

1. any polymer, plastic, or resin having the formula (C 2 F4 ) n , prepared from tetrafluoroethylene, noted for its slippery, nonsticking properties, and used in the manufacture of gaskets, electrical insulation, tubing, candy molds, container linings, frying-pan coatings, etc.

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polytetrafluoroethylene British  

/ ˌpɒlɪˌtɛtrəˌflʊərəʊˈɛθɪˌliːn /

noun

1. Also called (trademark): Teflon.   PTFE.  a white thermoplastic material with a waxy texture, made by polymerizing tetrafluoroethylene. It is nonflammable, resists chemical action and radiation, and has a high electrical resistance and an extremely low coefficient of friction. It is used for making gaskets, hoses, insulators, bearings, and for coating metal surfaces in chemical plants and in nonstick cooking vessels

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polytetrafluoroethylene Scientific  

/ pŏl′ē-tĕt′rə-flr′ō-ĕth′ə-lēn′,-flôr′- /

1. A synthetic polymer consisting of a chain of fluorinated ethane units (C ₂ F ₄). It is a thermoplastic resin that is resistant to heat and chemicals and has an extremely low coefficient of friction (resistance to objects sliding over its surface). It is used as a coating on cookware, gaskets, seals, and hoses.

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Etymology

Origin of polytetrafluoroethylene

First recorded in 1945–50; poly- + tetrafluoroethylene

Example Sentences

Teflon, aka PTFE, aka polytetrafluoroethylene, is what makes some cups and pans nonstick.

From Slate • Nov. 8, 2018

More than 50 percent of the Rossetti-designed building is shaded by the Teflon-coated polytetrafluoroethylene fabric that stretches over the roof panels.

From New York Times • Aug. 20, 2018