Definition

Noun: 1. A trademarked brand of expanded polystyrene foam: A very lightweight, rigid, and buoyant plastic foam material, typically white, used primarily for insulation, packaging, and disposable food containers. 2. (Commonly) Any similar expanded polystyrene foam: While a trademark, the term is often used generically to refer to any foam plastic made from expanded polystyrene beads.

Usage

• As a material for insulation and packaging:
  • The fragile electronics were packed in styrofoam peanuts for shipping.
  • The cooler is lined with styrofoam to keep drinks cold.
• As a material for disposable food service items:
  • She drank her coffee from a styrofoam cup.
  • Please recycle the styrofoam takeout container.

Advanced Usage

• Environmental context: Often discussed for its environmental impact due to being non-biodegradable and difficult to recycle.
  • Many cities are banning styrofoam food containers to reduce waste.
• Scientific and craft contexts: Used for creating models, floats, or insulation in experiments.
  • The students carved the sculpture from a block of styrofoam.

Variants and Related Words

• Polystyrene (n): The clear, hard plastic polymer from which expanded polystyrene foam (like Styrofoam) is made.
• Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) (n): The technical name for the foam material commonly referred to as styrofoam.
• Foam board (n): A similar material often used for signs and displays, typically with a polystyrene foam core between paper or plastic facings.

Synonyms

• Polystyrene foam
• EPS (Expanded Polystyrene)
• Foam plastic

Notes on Usage

• Styrofoam is a registered trademark of The Dow Chemical Company. Technically, it refers specifically to their brand of extruded polystyrene foam used in building insulation. In common everyday language, especially in the United States, it is widely used to refer to the expanded polystyrene used in cups and packaging. More precise terms are or .

Noun

1. a light resilient foam of polystyrene