polythene

[ pol-uh-theen ]
/ ˈpɒl əˌθin /

noun Chemistry, British.

polyethylene.

Origin of polythene

First recorded in 1935–40; by shortening

Words nearby polythene

polytene chromosome, polytetrafluoroethylene, polytheism, polytheistic, polythelia, polythene, polythiazide, polytomography, polytomy, polytonal, polytonality

British Dictionary definitions for polythene

polythene
/ (ˈpɒlɪˌθiːn) /

noun

any one of various light thermoplastic materials made from ethylene with properties depending on the molecular weight of the polymer. The common forms are a waxy flexible plastic (low-density polythene) and a tougher rigid more crystalline form (high-density polythene). Polythene is used for packaging, moulded articles, pipes and tubing, insulation, textiles, and coatings on metal Systematic name: polyethene Also called: polyethylene