noun

der Polyester, –

polyester

Definition & meaning

Polyester is a synthetic polymer, specifically a type of plastic, that is widely used in the production of textiles and materials.

  1. Textile industry: It is most commonly known as a type of synthetic fiber used to make clothing, bedding, and upholstery. It is valued for being durable, wrinkle-resistant, and quick-drying.
  2. Industrial use: Beyond clothing, it is used to manufacture PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles, food containers, ropes, and resins for paints and coatings.

Grammar & Word origin

The word is a neuter noun in German (das Polyester).

The term is a compound word derived from:

  • Poly-: From the Greek "polys," meaning "many."
  • Ester: A chemical compound formed by the reaction of an acid with an alcohol.

Essentially, the name describes a material made up of many ester units linked together in a long chain.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • Kunstfaser (synthetic fiber)
  • Chemiefaser (chemical fiber)
  • Synthetik (synthetics)

Antonyms:

  • Naturfaser (natural fiber)
  • Baumwolle (cotton)
  • Wolle (wool)

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Examples

Der Polyester trocknet nach dem Waschen schnell.noun

Polyester dries quickly after washing.

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