polythene en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- (General-American) audio
- /ˈpɑliθin/ (General-American)
- /ˈpɑlɪθin/ (General-American)
- /ˈpɑləθin/ (General-American)
Etymology
Contraction of polyethylene.
Meanings
-
(countable, uncountable) Synonym of polyethylene.
All that was needed [to make a hula hoop] was a bag of high-density polythene dust, a handful of two-inch wooden plugs, half a pound of wire staples, and the help of a man with an extrusion machine, which simply meant anyone who could make a length of plastic hose.
1971, Gwen White, Antique Toys And Their Background, page 129:Well, you should see Polythene Pam, / She's so good looking but she looks like a man. / Well, you should see her in drag, / Dressed in her polythene bag. / Yes, you should see Polythene Pam.
1969, “Polythene Pam”, in John Lennon (lyrics), Abbey Road, performed by The Beatles:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| polythenes | Number=Plur | lexicographic |