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polystyrene
noun
poly·sty·rene
ˌpä-lē-ˈstī-ˌrēn
: a polymer of styrene
especially
: a rigid transparent thermoplastic that has good physical and electrical insulating properties and is used especially in molded products, foams, and sheet materials
Examples of polystyrene in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The drone’s body is constructed from polystyrene and plywood, unlike the aluminum or composite materials typically used in most military drones.
—Vikram Mittal, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024
Next, the team cut black polystyrene food containers and coffee cup lids into small pieces, then subjected those to the light treatment.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 25 Nov. 2024
The exemptions for those businesses were intentionally timed to end when a state polystyrene ban is expected to take effect on Jan. 1 next year.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2024
The scientists then processed those styrenes and the reclaimed carbon black particles, turning them back into solid polystyrene.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 25 Nov. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1927, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near polystyrene
Cite this Entry
“Polystyrene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polystyrene. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
polystyrene
noun
poly·sty·rene
ˌpäl-i-ˈstī(ə)r-ˌēn
: a stiff transparent plastic used chiefly in molded products, foams, and sheet materials
Medical Definition
polystyrene
noun
poly·sty·rene
ˌpäl-i-ˈstī(ə)r-ˌēn
: a polymer of styrene
especially
: a rigid transparent thermoplastic that has good physical and electrical insulating properties and is used especially in molded products, foams, and sheet materials
More from Merriam-Webster on polystyrene
Nglish: Translation of polystyrene for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polystyrene
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