styrene

[ stahy-reen, steer-een ]

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.

styrene

/ 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

styrene

/ 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 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of styrene¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of styrene¹

C20: from styr ( ax ) + -ene

Example Sentences

In both dispersions, the base polymer was a copolymer composed of the inexpensive, commercially available components styrene and butyl acrylate.

From Science Daily

Grist observed roughly nine train cars marked with a hazard placard for the industrial chemical styrene monomer, an explosive "probable human carcinogen" used to make rubber and other plastics.

From Salon

Its primary building block, styrene, is a probable human carcinogen that can leach from the material over time, or when polystyrene is exposed to high heat.

From Salon

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

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