polystyrene

[ pol-ee-stahy-reen, -steer-een ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a clear plastic or stiff foam, a polymer of styrene, used chiefly as an insulator in refrigerators and air conditioners.

polystyrene

/ ˌpɒlɪˈstaɪriːn /

noun

1. a synthetic thermoplastic material obtained by polymerizing styrene; used as a white rigid foam ( expanded polystyrene ) for insulating and packing and as a glasslike material in light fittings and water tanks

polystyrene

/ pŏl′ē-stī′rēn /

1. A brittle synthetic polymer composed of repeated styrene units. Polystyrene is transparent and rigid because the benzene rings in each styrene unit prevent the polystyrene chains from arranging themselves into a tight crystalline structure. Polystyrene has a wide variety of uses, especially as a solid foam for insulation and packaging.

Word History and Origins

Origin of polystyrene¹

First recorded in 1925–30; poly- + styrene

Example Sentences

Excellent insulation is achieved by a thick layer of expanded polystyrene on all sides, roof, and floor.

From Project Gutenberg