styrofoam: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “styrofoam” mean?
A lightweight, rigid, blue extruded polystyrene foam, typically used for insulation and craft projects.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A lightweight, rigid, blue extruded polystyrene foam, typically used for insulation and craft projects.
Often used as a generic term for any disposable, white expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) used for packaging or coffee cups, though this is technically a trademark misapplication.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The trademark 'Styrofoam' is recognized but less commonly used generically in the UK. British English more frequently uses 'polystyrene' (for both EPS and XPS) or brand names like 'Jablite'.
Connotations
US: Strong genericized trademark connotation for disposable foam items. UK: More likely to be recognized as a specific brand of insulation board.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English, especially for cups and packaging. Lower frequency in UK English, where 'polystyrene' dominates.
Grammar
How to Use “styrofoam” in a Sentence
[made] of styrofoam[packed] in styrofoam[insulate] with styrofoam[cut] the styrofoamVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “styrofoam” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- We used sheets of Styrofoam to insulate the shed walls.
- The model was crafted from painted styrofoam.
American English
- Can you grab some Styrofoam cups for the picnic?
- The electronics were protected by styrofoam inserts in the box.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In manufacturing and packaging for cost and weight specifications.
Academic
In materials science, environmental studies (re: waste), and design/architecture.
Everyday
Referring to disposable cups, takeaway food containers, and packaging material.
Technical
Specifically denotes blue or pink XPS insulation boards with high compressive strength and moisture resistance.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “styrofoam”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “styrofoam”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “styrofoam”
- Using 'Styrofoam' for white coffee cups (they are EPS). Spelling: 'Styrefoam', 'Stirofoam'. Capitalization: It is a trademark, but often lowercased in generic use.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Polystyrene' is the generic plastic. 'Styrofoam' is a Dow Chemical trademark for a specific type of extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam, usually blue and used for insulation. White bead foam used for cups is expanded polystyrene (EPS).
It is not biodegradable, is difficult to recycle economically, often ends up in landfills, and can break down into microplastics. Its production also uses petroleum resources and blowing agents that can be harmful.
In informal, generic use, it is very common to see it lowercased (e.g., 'styrofoam cup'). However, as it is a registered trademark, formal and technical writing should use the capitalized form 'Styrofoam' for the branded product or avoid it for generic EPS.
A 'polystyrene cup'. The word 'Styrofoam' is less likely to be used generically in the UK for disposable food service items.
A lightweight, rigid, blue extruded polystyrene foam, typically used for insulation and craft projects.
Styrofoam is usually informal, technical in register.
Styrofoam: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstaɪ.rə.fəʊm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstaɪ.roʊ.foʊm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not an idiom; material term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
STYRoFOAM: STYlishly RObust FOAM. Remember it's the robust, smooth foam for insulation, not the crumbly white bead foam for cups (which is EPS).
Conceptual Metaphor
LIGHTWEIGHT/INSUBSTANTIAL as STYROFOAM (e.g., 'His arguments were as substantial as styrofoam'). DISPOSABLE/WASTE as STYROFOAM (e.g., 'a styrofoam culture').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a correct technical distinction?