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Definition of polythene

polythene

/ˈpɑːliˌθiːn/
pol · y · thene
Plural:polythenes
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polythene Lexical Profile

polythene Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

British A tough, light, flexible synthetic resin made by polymerizing ethylene, widely used for plastic bags, food wrap, containers, and waterproof sheeting.

Example

"The seedlings were covered with a sheet of clear polythene to protect them from the overnight frost."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for polythene

Word Nuance & Usage

"Polythene" is the standard everyday term in British and Commonwealth English, whereas "polyethylene" is preferred in American English and in formal scientific or industrial contexts worldwide.

• Nearby Words

polytheism
polytheist
polytheistic
polythene
polyurethane
polyzoa
pomade

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 1930s by Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) as a contraction of "polyethylene", which derives from the Greek prefix "poly-" (many) and "ethylene" (the hydrocarbon gas from which it is polymerized).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Polythene. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/polythene
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