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Polystyrene - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Polystyrene is a lightweight, synthetic plastic commonly used for packaging, insulation, and disposable items like cups and food containers. It is durable but not easily biodegradable.

polystyrene

/ˌpɑliˈstaɪrin/ /ˌpɒliˈstaɪriːn/

Definition:

A lightweight synthetic polymer used in packaging, insulation, and disposable products.

Synonyms:

Styrofoam, plastic foam, expanded polystyrene, synthetic resin

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

natural fiber, biodegradable material

Common Collocations:

polystyrene foam, polystyrene cup, polystyrene packaging, polystyrene insulation

Derivatives:

polystyrenes, polystyrene-based

Usage Tips:

Use "polystyrene" to refer to the material itself; "Styrofoam" is a brand name for a type of polystyrene foam.

Common Phrases:

polystyrene container, expanded polystyrene beads, polystyrene block

Etymology:

Derived from Greek "poly-" (many) and "styrene," a hydrocarbon used in plastics manufacturing.

Examples:

  • 1. The coffee cup is made of polystyrene for insulation.
  • 2. Polystyrene packaging protects fragile items during shipping.
  • 3. Many disposable food containers are crafted from lightweight polystyrene.
  • 4. The artist sculpted the model using recycled polystyrene blocks.

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