Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun organic chemistry, chiefly UK A light thermoplastic used in packaging etc.; polyethylene.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun a lightweight thermoplastic; used especially in packaging and insulation

Etymologies

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition

[poly– + (e)th(yl)ene.]

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Examples

  • Rubble and garbage needed to be removed, dead cats and birds scooped up, windows covered in polythene to prevent rain damage, and I finally I needed to gave notice to the swallows that they would have to vacate as I was taking over the house!

    Mi Pullman: remodeling a Mexican Art Nouveau townhouse II 2009

  • Rubble and garbage needed to be removed, dead cats and birds scooped up, windows covered in polythene to prevent rain damage, and I finally I needed to gave notice to the swallows that they would have to vacate as I was taking over the house!

    Mi Pullman: remodeling a Mexican Art Nouveau townhouse II 2009

  • They produced a waxy lump of what the British call polythene .

    March 27, 1933: Just One Word ... Plastics 2008

  • They produced a waxy lump of what the British call polythene .

    March 27, 1933: Just One Word ... Plastics 2008

  • A cloche is made by placing bamboo hoops across the bed and covering the bed with polythene, which is kept well clear of the seeds.

    4.1 Nursery establishment 1999

  • Simple wire baskets are by far the best and should be line, with sphagnum moss (not polythene, which is often used today) before being filled with a-peaty compost.

    Article Source John Lars 2009

  • The leaves are harvested using a stick and protection such as polythene bags.

    Chapter 7 1999

  • According to Mr Bagonza, the two entrepreneurs are interested in setting up an industry dealing in recycling waste products such as polythene papers and plastics in Nakasongola

    AllAfrica News: Latest 2010

  • You know, the kind of polythene bag over our heads has to burst open at some point.

    Democracy Now! 2010

  • You know, the kind of polythene bag over our heads has to burst open at some point.

    Democracy Now! 2010

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