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polystyrene

[ pol-ee-stahy-reen, -steer-een ]

noun

, Chemistry.
  1. a clear plastic or stiff foam, a polymer of styrene, used chiefly as an insulator in refrigerators and air conditioners.


polystyrene

/ ˌpɒlɪˈstaɪriːn /

noun

  1. a synthetic thermoplastic material obtained by polymerizing styrene; used as a white rigid foam ( expanded polystyrene ) for insulating and packing and as a glasslike material in light fittings and water tanks


polystyrene

/ pŏl′ē-stīrēn /

  1. A brittle synthetic polymer composed of repeated styrene units. Polystyrene is transparent and rigid because the benzene rings in each styrene unit prevent the polystyrene chains from arranging themselves into a tight crystalline structure. Polystyrene has a wide variety of uses, especially as a solid foam for insulation and packaging.


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Word History and Origins

Origin of polystyrene1

First recorded in 1925–30; poly- + styrene

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Example Sentences

Excellent insulation is achieved by a thick layer of expanded polystyrene on all sides, roof, and floor.

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polystylepolysulfide