polyethylene glycol

Definition / meaning of polyethylene glycol

A polymer made by joining molecules of ethylene oxide and water together in a repeating pattern. Polyethylene glycol can be a liquid or a waxy solid. In medicine, forms of polyethylene glycol can be used in ointments, in drugs or substances to make them stay in the body longer, or in laxatives. Also called PEG.

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Source(s):

The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/)

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