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

See Examples For:

polythene

"They would come in via a courier in a sealed polythene bag," he says, adding they would then be repacked and sent on for further study to hospitals, research departments or the Department of Health.

From BBC ● Feb. 27, 2024

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

From Salon ● May 16, 2023

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