polythene

American  

[pol-uh-theen] / ˈpɒl əˌθin /

noun

Chemistry, British.

1. polyethylene.

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polythene British  

/ ˈpɒlɪˌθiːn /

noun

1. Also called: polyethylene.  Systematic name: polyethene.  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 metal

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Etymology

Origin of polythene

First recorded in 1935–40; by shortening

Example Sentences

People living in towns and cities use discarded cans, old newspapers, foil, cellophane and polythene bags as substitutes.

From Salon • May 16, 2023

Amidst the subtle smell of just-sawn wood and freshly applied paint, there is the sight of a huge giant in a protective polythene bag and the veil gently starts to lift.

From BBC • Aug. 26, 2022

Their hands shoot out with lightning speed to snatch things from the conveyor belt that shouldn't be there, from plastic bags and bits of polythene, to what looks like a plastic hose.

From BBC • Nov. 3, 2021

In March, German researchers revealed a bug that feasts on toxic polyurethane, while earlier work has shown that wax moth larvae – usually bred as fish bait – can eat up polythene bags.

From The Guardian • Apr. 8, 2020

Newspaper vendors were running around in traffic with their papers wrapped in polythene bags.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie