polytetrafluoroethylene

[ pol-ee-te-truh-floor-oh-eth-uh-leen, -flawr-, -flohr- ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. any polymer, plastic, or resin having the formula (C 2 F 4 ) n , prepared from tetrafluoroethylene, noted for its slippery, nonsticking properties, and used in the manufacture of gaskets, electrical insulation, tubing, candy molds, container linings, frying-pan coatings, etc.

polytetrafluoroethylene

/ ˌpɒlɪˌtɛtrəˌflʊərəʊˈɛθɪˌliːn /

noun

1. a white thermoplastic material with a waxy texture, made by polymerizing tetrafluoroethylene. It is nonflammable, resists chemical action and radiation, and has a high electrical resistance and an extremely low coefficient of friction. It is used for making gaskets, hoses, insulators, bearings, and for coating metal surfaces in chemical plants and in nonstick cooking vessels PTFE Also called (trademark)Teflon

polytetrafluoroethylene

/ pŏl′ē-tĕt′rə-flr′ō-ĕth′ə-lēn′,-flôr′- /

1. A synthetic polymer consisting of a chain of fluorinated ethane units (C 2 F 4 ). It is a thermoplastic resin that is resistant to heat and chemicals and has an extremely low coefficient of friction (resistance to objects sliding over its surface). It is used as a coating on cookware, gaskets, seals, and hoses.

Word History and Origins

Origin of polytetrafluoroethylene¹

First recorded in 1945–50; poly- + tetrafluoroethylene

Example Sentences

“I just want to say one word to you: polytetrafluoroethylene.”

From Washington Post

One evening in the lab, Mr. Gore was working with a polymer called polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE, the same material used to make Teflon.

From Washington Post

More than 50 percent of the Rossetti-designed building is shaded by the Teflon-coated polytetrafluoroethylene fabric that stretches over the roof panels.

From New York Times

Most nonstick pans are coated with polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as Teflon.

From Scientific American

In its suit, Gillette says Dollar Shave Club’s razors violate its patent using of the chemical element chromium to adhere to an outer layer of a compound called polytetrafluoroethylene on its blades.

From Wall Street Journal