polyethylene

[ pol-ee-eth-uh-leen ]
/ ˌpɒl iˈɛθ əˌlin /

noun Chemistry.

a plastic polymer of ethylene used chiefly for containers, electrical insulation, and packaging.
Also called, British, polythene.

Origin of polyethylene

First recorded in 1935–40; poly- + ethylene

Example sentences from the Web for polyethylene

British Dictionary definitions for polyethylene

polyethylene
/ (ˌpɒlɪˈɛθɪˌliːn) /

noun

another name for polythene

Scientific definitions for polyethylene

polyethylene
[ pŏl′ē-ĕthə-lēn′ ]

Any of various artificial resins consisting of many ethyl groups (CH2CH2) joined end to end or in branched chains. Polyethylenes are easily molded and are resistant to other chemicals. They can be repeatedly softened and hardened by heating and cooling, and are used for many purposes, such as making containers, tubes, and packaging.