polyvinyl chloride

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a white, water-insoluble, thermoplastic resin, derived by the polymerization of vinyl chloride: used chiefly for thin coatings, insulation, and pipings.

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polyvinyl chloride British  

noun

1. the full name of PVC

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polyvinyl chloride Scientific  

/ pŏl′ē-vī′nəl /

1. A synthetic resin, composed of repeating units of vinyl chloride (C ₂ H ₃ Cl). Polyvinyl chloride is very versatile and is used in a wide variety of products, including rainwear, garden hoses, audio discs, and floor tiles.

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Etymology

Origin of polyvinyl chloride

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

polyvinyl chloride

SCG Chemical’s earnings should be aided by improved spreads for high-density polyethylene, polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride, the analyst says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026

Customers are increasingly being lured by brands like TimberTech, which dispense with wood altogether in favor of polyvinyl chloride patterned to resemble mahogany, teak, or hickory.

From Barron's ● Nov. 7, 2025

Thirty patients had polyvinyl chloride particles in their plaque.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 7, 2024

Other common plastics the researchers found: polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and polymethyl methacrylate, all used in various industrial processes.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 8, 2024

It was used in heavy industry to render other compounds like refined gasoline or polyvinyl chloride for plastic pipe production.

From "Burning Blue" by Paul Griffin