Polythene is a type of plastic made into thin sheets or bags and used especially to keep food fresh or to keep things dry.
[mainly British]
Simply put them into a polythene bag and store them in the freezer for a day.
regional note: in AM, usually use polyethylene
polythene in British English
(ˈpɒlɪˌθiːn)
noun
any one of various light thermoplastic materials made from ethylene with properties depending on the molecular weight of the polymer. The common forms are a waxy flexible plastic (low-density polythene) and a tougher rigid more crystalline form (high-density polythene). Polythene is used for packaging, moulded articles, pipes and tubing, insulation, textiles, and coatings on metal
Systematic name: polyethene. Also called: polyethylene
polythene in American English
(ˈpɑlɪˌθin)
noun
British
polyethylene
Examples of 'polythene' in a sentence
polythene
Keep them damp in a polythene bag outside, so they are exposed to frost and warm temperatures.
The Sun (2016)
I'm encouraged to dig deep with a silver trowel and fill my polythene bag.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Normally by this time crops would be in and getting established under fleece and polythene.
The Sun (2013)
The surface has been covered with a massive polythene sheet to protect it from the elements.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Cover the pots with polythene or glass to keep them moist.
Stickland, Sue Planning the Organic Herb Garden (1986)
Covering it with horticultural fleece or polythene helps raise the temperature and allow earlier sowing.
The Sun (2013)
Wrap each in a small polythene bag and freeze until needed.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The assistant helpfully provided some large polythene bags to complete the package.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Put this into a large polythene bag and seal.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Put the tubers in a polythene bag with damp potting compost and keep them warm.
The Sun (2006)
Place the pots in a white polythene bag out of full sun.
The Sun (2009)
Commercial growers use special grades of polythene on tunnels to reduce pest and disease attack as well as give weather protection.
The Sun (2011)
They also have some courgettes forming on plants in pots under the old polythene tunnel thatused to cover their swimming pool.
The Sun (2011)
Put them with some damp potting compost into polythene bags and place somewhere warm such as at the top of your airing cupboard.
The Sun (2012)
For me, a sheet of polythene was about the most exciting thing in the world.
The Sun (2011)
Now is the time to apply shading paint to your greenhouse, frame or polythene tunnel.
The Sun (2010)
If trees are fan trained, hanging a sheet of polythene over them reduces infection and protects flowers from frost.
The Sun (2008)
I've had to move plants under glass or polythene.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
A These greenhouses are better at keeping out the cold than those covered with glass or polythene film.
The Sun (2009)
Q CAN you recommend a shading paint for my polythene tunnel?
The Sun (2010)
In other languages
polythene
British English: polythene NOUN
Polythene is a type of plastic made into thin sheets or bags and used especially to keep food fresh or to keep things dry.
Simply put them into a polythene bag and store them in the freezer for a day.