styrene

American  

[stahy-reen, steer-een] / ˈstaɪ rin, ˈstɪər in /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, water-insoluble liquid, C 8 H 8 , having a penetrating aromatic odor, usually prepared from ethylene and benzene or ethylbenzene, that polymerizes to a clear transparent material and copolymerizes with other materials to form synthetic rubbers.

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styrene British  

/ ˈstaɪriːn /

noun

1. a colourless oily volatile flammable water-insoluble liquid made from ethylene and benzene. It is an unsaturated compound and readily polymerizes: used in making synthetic plastics and rubbers. Formula: C 6 H 5 CH:CH 2 See also polystyrene

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styrene Scientific  

/ stī′rēn′ /

1. A colorless, oily aromatic hydrocarbon that readily undergoes polymerization. It is used in making polystyrene, polyesters, synthetic rubber, and other products. Chemical formula: C ₈ H ₈ .

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Etymology

Origin of styrene

First recorded in 1880–85; from Latin styr- stem of styrax ( see storax ( def. )) + -ene

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

styrene

Applying the technique to post-consumer black plastic from food containers and coffee cup lids, the researchers cut the waste into small pieces and found that up to 53% of the polystyrene converted to styrene monomer.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 25, 2024

They created upcycled styrene ethylene butylene styrene copolymer, which incorporates boronic ester groups that covalently bond with a crosslinker and fibers to generate the tough CFRP.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 8, 2024

Overall, styrene and ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic gas, are the top two chemicals released into the air and water in Salinas, officials say.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 29, 2023

Research suggests expanded polystyrene containers can leach styrene into people's food and drinks, and an Ipsos poll released in April found that 71 percent of California voters support policies to limit their use.

From Salon ● Dec. 14, 2022

When styrene is in transit, a stabilizing chemical is added to it to keep it safe, Cordova said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2022