Definition

A type of strong and lightweight plastic that is often used as a substitute for glass because it is shatter-resistant.

Example

The safety glasses were made from polycarbonate to prevent shattering.

Conversation

I just bought a new phone case made of polycarbonate.

That sounds really durable!

Yeah, it's supposed to be shatter-resistant, which is great for me.

Totally! I need something like that for my clumsy hands.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Polycarbonate → It is formed from "poly-" (meaning many) and "carbonate" (from Latin "carbonas", meaning carbon compound). The word describes a type of plastic that contains many carbonate groups in its structure.

Memory Tip

Think of 'many' ('poly-') carbon compounds ('carbonate') to remember that polycarbonate is a material made from multiple carbon-based units.

Visually Confused Words