polyethylene

noun

poly·​eth·​yl·​ene ˌpä-lē-ˈe-thə-ˌlēn 

: a polymer of ethylene

especially : any of various partially crystalline lightweight thermoplastics (CH₂CH₂)_x that are resistant to chemicals and moisture, have good insulating properties, and are used especially in packaging and insulation

Examples of polyethylene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After donning an optional medical-grade polyethylene glove or foot cover – again, to help prevent infection – the patient places the affected limb in the basin for anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours, depending on the severity of the frostbite. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 8 Dec. 2024

Core shots—when the ski's core is exposed to moisture and leads to warping or rotting—will never happen, because there is no core, and the aluminum base will deflect rocks way better than any extruded polyethylene base. —Cameron Martindell, WIRED, 28 Nov. 2024

The planter is designed with recycled, high-grade polyethylene to avoid fading in the hot summer sun and cracking in cold winters. —Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Jan. 2025

The polyethylene also creates greater resiliency against uplift. —Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

poly- + ethylene

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing polyethylene

• polyethylene glycol

Kids Definition

polyethylene

noun

poly·​eth·​yl·​ene ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn 

: a lightweight plastic resistant to chemicals and moisture and used chiefly in packaging

Medical Definition

polyethylene

noun

poly·​eth·​yl·​ene ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn 

: a polymer of ethylene

especially : any of various lightweight thermoplastics (CH₂CH₂)_x that are resistant to chemicals and moisture and are used especially in packaging, insulation, surgical implants, prostheses, and tubing