Definition

Noun: 1. A synthetic polymer material: Polystyrene is a type of plastic made from the monomer styrene. It is characterized by being rigid and transparent in its basic form. 2. A versatile thermoplastic: It is a material that becomes soft when heated and hard when cooled, allowing it to be molded into various shapes. It is commonly known in a lightweight, foam form used for protective packaging and thermal insulation.

Examples

• The fragile electronics were protected by molded polystyrene inside the box.
• Polystyrene cups, while convenient, are a significant source of plastic waste.
• The building's energy efficiency was improved by adding polystyrene insulation boards to the walls.
• A common model-making material is polystyrene foam, which is easy to cut and shape.

Advanced Usage

• Expanded Polystyrene (EPS): This refers to the foam-like version of the material, consisting of many small, fused beads. It is extremely lightweight and has excellent insulating properties.
  • Example: The cooler was filled with expanded polystyrene to keep the drinks cold.
• Extruded Polystyrene (XPS): This is a denser, more uniform foam with a smooth surface, often used in construction for insulation.
  • Example: The contractor recommended extruded polystyrene for insulating the basement walls due to its high resistance to moisture.

Variants and Related Words

• Styrofoam: This is a trademarked brand name for a specific type of extruded polystyrene foam, often used incorrectly as a generic term for all polystyrene foam products.
• Polymer: A broad category of large molecules made of repeating subunits; polystyrene is one specific polymer.
• Thermoplastic: A class of polymer (like polystyrene) that can be melted and reshaped repeatedly.

Synonyms

• Styrene polymer (technical term)
• PS (common abbreviation in recycling codes, e.g., PS #6)

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Polystyrene bead: A small, individual pellet of polystyrene, often expanded with steam to create foam.
• Polystyrene sheet: A flat panel of the material, used in packaging, signage, or insulation.
• Polystyrene recycling: The process of collecting and reprocessing used polystyrene products, though it is often challenging due to the material's low density.

Noun

1. a polymer of styrene; a rigid transparent thermoplastic
   • expanded polystyrene looks like a rigid white foam and is used as packing or insulation