A lightweight, flexible plastic polymer made from ethylene, widely used in packaging, containers, and various consumer products.
Coined in 1930s from Greek poly- 'many' + ethylene (from Greek aithos 'burning' + hyle 'wood'). Named for its structure of many ethylene units linked together in long chains.
Polyethylene was discovered by accident in 1933 when high pressure caused an unexpected reaction. This 'failed' experiment became the world's most common plastic, found in everything from grocery bags to milk jugs - proving that scientific mistakes can change the world.
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