polythene

American

[pol-uh-theen] / ˈpɒl əˌθin /

noun

Chemistry, British.

polyethylene.

polythene British

/ ˈpɒlɪˌθiːn /

noun

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

"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

Etymology

Origin of polythene

First recorded in 1935–40; by shortening

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Below decks, even her plumbing is of synthetic Polythene, instead of copper, to save weight.

From Time Magazine Archive

Polythene or polypropylene bags are now required to fill the straw into.

From Free from School by Alvares, Rahul

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023