Polyethylene is a type of plastic made into thin sheets or bags and used especially to keep food fresh or to keep things dry.
[mainly US]regional note: in BRIT, usually use polythene
polyethylene in British English
(ˌpɒlɪˈɛθɪˌliːn)
noun
another name for polythene
polyethylene in American English
(ˌpɑliˈɛθəˌlin)
US
noun
any of several thermoplastic resins, (C2H4)n, made by the polymerization of ethylene: used in making translucent, lightweight, and tough plastics, films, containers, insulation, etc.
Word origin
polymer + ethylene
Examples of 'polyethylene' in a sentence
polyethylene
Granules of plastic: high-impact polystyrene, polyethylene and polypropylene.
Taylor, Andy TOY SHOP (2003)
Over their windows people tape polyethylene sheeting to save on fuel.