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polystyrene
noun
poly·sty·rene
ˌpä-lē-ˈstī-ˌrēn
: a polymer of styrene
especially
: a rigid transparent thermoplastic that has good physical and electrical insulating properties and is used especially in molded products, foams, and sheet materials
Examples of polystyrene in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
So far, researchers have only explored this in mouse models, finding microplastics in the brains of mice fed polystyrene nanoparticles.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 31 May 2024
Abyssal microplastics appear to sink from the surface of the open ocean, and polystyrene particles increase the bioaccumulation of SSRIs in brine shrimp.
—Emily Harnett, Harper's Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024
At the time of the law’s implementation, it was considered the strictest in the nation, banning stores from providing not only single-use plastic bags but also paper bags (for certain businesses), along with polystyrene foam food containers and cups.
—Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 28 Feb. 2024
Already, in the past decade more than 60 nations have enacted some sort of ban on the use of polystyrene foam in things like cups and food packaging.
—Jacob Turcotte, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for polystyrene
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polystyrene.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1927, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near polystyrene
Cite this Entry
“Polystyrene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polystyrene. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
polystyrene
noun
poly·sty·rene
ˌpäl-i-ˈstī(ə)r-ˌēn
: a stiff transparent plastic used chiefly in molded products, foams, and sheet materials
Medical Definition
polystyrene
noun
poly·sty·rene
ˌpäl-i-ˈstī(ə)r-ˌēn
: a polymer of styrene
especially
: a rigid transparent thermoplastic that has good physical and electrical insulating properties and is used especially in molded products, foams, and sheet materials
More from Merriam-Webster on polystyrene
Nglish: Translation of polystyrene for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polystyrene
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