Dictionary.com

polythene

[ pol-uh-theen ]
/ ˈpɒl əˌθin /
Save This Word!
noun Chemistry, British.
polyethylene.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
candystring
candyfloss
candypuff
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of polythene

First recorded in 1935–40; by shortening

Words nearby polythene

polytene, polytene chromosome, polytetrafluoroethylene, polytheism, polytheistic, polythene, polythiazide, polytomy, polytonal, polytonality, polytriglyph
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

British Dictionary definitions for polythene

polythene
/ (ˈpɒlɪˌθiːn) /
noun
any one of various light thermoplastic materials made from ethylene with properties depending on the molecular weight of the polymer. The common forms are a waxy flexible plastic (low-density polythene) and a tougher rigid more crystalline form (high-density polythene). Polythene is used for packaging, moulded articles, pipes and tubing, insulation, textiles, and coatings on metalSystematic name: polyethene Also called: polyethylene
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
FEEDBACK