noun

polyethylene

pol-ee-ETH-ih-leen

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Polyethylene (noun) means a common plastic made of many ethylene units joined together, used for containers and kitchenware. Example: “The bottle is made of polyethylene.”

noun

technical A common plastic made of many ethylene units joined together, used for containers and kitchenware.

"The bottle is made of polyethylene."

"Polyethylene is used to make many kinds of container."

"Different types of polyethylene vary in how stiff they are."

How to use polyethylene

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA widely used plastic made from ethylene.

When to use it

It is the technical or chemical name, and everyday speech often uses the shorter 'polythene'.

Memory tip

Polypropylene is a different plastic, so do not swap the two words.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

polypropylene

Common pairings

polyethylene bag polyethylene film polyethylene container high-density polyethylene

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The bottle is made of _____.

Etymology

The word is formed in English from the prefix poly- and ethylene, because the material is a polymer of ethylene.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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polythene polyethene pe

Related words

Rhymes for polyethylene

gene bene nene lene Rene scene Irene Keene Beene Ilene serene Selene

See all rhymes for polyethylene →

Frequently asked questions

What is polyethylene?

Polyethylene is a polymer made of many ethylene units bonded together. It is used for kitchenware, containers and similar items.

Is polyethylene the same as polythene?

Yes, polythene is another name for polyethylene. Polyethene is the IUPAC name for the same material.

What is polyethylene made of?

It is made of many ethylene monomers bonded together into a long chain.

What is the meaning of polyethylene?

"polyethylene" (noun) means a common plastic made of many ethylene units joined together, used for containers and kitchenware.