polyvinyl chloride; a synthetic thermoplastic material made by polymerizing vinyl chloride. The properties depend on the added plasticizer. The flexible forms are used in hosepipes, insulation, shoes, garments, etc. Rigid PVC is used for moulded articles
Word Origin and History for PVC
pvc
n.
also P.V.C., initialism from polyvinyl chloride (1933); see polyvinyl.