polyethylene

[ pol-ee-eth-uh-leen ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a plastic polymer of ethylene used chiefly for containers, electrical insulation, and packaging.

polyethylene

/ ˌpɒlɪˈɛθɪˌliːn /

noun

1. another name for polythene

polyethylene

/ pŏl′ē-ĕth′ə-lēn′ /

1. Any of various artificial resins consisting of many ethyl groups (CH 2 CH 2 ) joined end to end or in branched chains. Polyethylenes are easily molded and are resistant to other chemicals. They can be repeatedly softened and hardened by heating and cooling, and are used for many purposes, such as making containers, tubes, and packaging.

Word History and Origins

Origin of polyethylene¹

First recorded in 1935–40; poly- + ethylene

Example Sentences

To get the mass, the team measured the total surface area of the plastic particles and incorporated a standard measure of thickness and density based on the most common microplastic waste types: polyethylene and polypropylene.

From Science Daily

Such bags included paper and high-density polyethylene plastic bags, which plastic companies argued could be reused.

From Los Angeles Times

The cladding was made of highly flammable polyethylene which was added to the sides of Grenfell Tower in a disastrous refurbishment in 2016.

From BBC

Polyolefins are a family of thermoplastics that include polyethylene — the material used to make single-use and “reusable” plastic bags — and polypropylene — the ubiquitous plastic that holds our yogurts and forms microwaveable dishes and car bumpers.

From Los Angeles Times

The fungus is capable of breaking down polyethylene particles — the most prevalent commercial plastic in the ocean — once the plastic has been exposed to ultraviolet light.

From Salon