polyvinyl chloride: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low in everyday speech; High in technical/scientific/industrial contexts.Formal, technical, scientific.
Quick answer
What does “polyvinyl chloride” mean?
A common synthetic plastic polymer made from vinyl chloride monomers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A common synthetic plastic polymer made from vinyl chloride monomers.
A widely used thermoplastic material known for its durability, chemical resistance, and low cost. It is a versatile polymer that can be made rigid (uPVC) or flexible (with plasticizers) and is used in countless applications from construction to healthcare.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. The abbreviation 'PVC' is universally common.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both regions. In non-technical contexts, may sometimes carry a 'cheap' or 'artificial' connotation.
Frequency
Equally low in general conversation in both regions, equally high in relevant industries.
Grammar
How to Use “polyvinyl chloride” in a Sentence
[be] made from/of polyvinyl chloride[use] polyvinyl chloride for [product][manufacture] polyvinyl chlorideVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “polyvinyl chloride” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The polyvinyl chloride industry is heavily regulated.
- We need a polyvinyl chloride specialist.
American English
- The polyvinyl chloride market is expanding.
- It's a polyvinyl chloride-based product.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in supply chain, manufacturing, and construction project specifications.
Academic
Central term in chemistry, materials science, polymer engineering, and environmental studies papers.
Everyday
Rarely used; average person uses 'PVC' or generic terms like 'plastic pipe' or 'vinyl flooring'.
Technical
Standard, precise term in engineering blueprints, chemical safety data sheets, and product formulations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “polyvinyl chloride”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “polyvinyl chloride”
- Mispronouncing 'chloride' as /klɔːˈraɪd/ (stress on second syllable). The stress is on the first syllable: /ˈklɔː.raɪd/.
- Using 'polyvinyl chloride' in casual conversation where 'PVC' or 'plastic' would suffice.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no difference; PVC is the standard abbreviation for polyvinyl chloride.
In its finished, stable form (e.g., in pipes, windows), it is generally considered safe for use. Concerns historically relate to additives like phthalates (in flexible PVC) or the release of toxins if burned.
Yes, PVC can be recycled, but the process is more complex than for some other plastics due to its chlorine content and variety of additives, requiring separate collection streams.
It is inexpensive to produce, extremely durable, resistant to moisture and chemicals, and can be formulated to be either rigid or flexible, making it suitable for a vast range of products.
A common synthetic plastic polymer made from vinyl chloride monomers.
Polyvinyl chloride is usually formal, technical, scientific. in register.
Polyvinyl chloride: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpɒl.iˌvaɪ.nəl ˈklɔː.raɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpɑː.liˌvaɪ.nəl ˈklɔːr.aɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'POLY' (many) 'VINYL' (records, a type of plastic) 'CHLORIDE' (contains chlorine) - a common plastic made from many vinyl chloride units.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A for this technical term.
Practice
Quiz
What does the 'chloride' in 'polyvinyl chloride' refer to?