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
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Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments, less than five millimeters long, derived from the breakdown of larger plastics or manufactured at that size for commercial use; common polymers include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene.
—
Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Here, neutrons knock protons out of a thin polyethylene foil – and their scattering angles depend on the energies of the neutrons.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
While chemical uses include a variety of products like detergent and paints, polyethylene plastics are a major part of the chemicals business.
—Ryan Baker, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2025
Thus far the Army has provided 37,800 feet of HESCO barriers, 400 super tacks, 112,000 sandbags and 25,000 feet of polyethylene sheeting.
—Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polyethylene
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Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Here, neutrons knock protons out of a thin polyethylene foil – and their scattering angles depend on the energies of the neutrons.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
While chemical uses include a variety of products like detergent and paints, polyethylene plastics are a major part of the chemicals business.
—Ryan Baker, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2025
Thus far the Army has provided 37,800 feet of HESCO barriers, 400 super tacks, 112,000 sandbags and 25,000 feet of polyethylene sheeting.
—Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polyethylene
Cite this Entry
“Polyethylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyethylene. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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