polymer

[pol-uh-mer]

noun

Chemistry.

1. a compound of high molecular weight derived either by the addition of many smaller molecules, as polyethylene, or by the condensation of many smaller molecules with the elimination of water, alcohol, or the like, as nylon.

2. a compound formed from two or more polymeric compounds.

3. a product of polymerization.

polymer

/ ˈpɒlɪmə, ˈpɒlɪmə-, pəˈlɪməˌrɪzəm /

noun

1. a naturally occurring or synthetic compound, such as starch or Perspex, that has large molecules made up of many relatively simple repeated units Compare copolymer oligomer

polymer

1. Any of various chemical compounds made of smaller, identical molecules (called monomers) linked together. Some polymers, like cellulose, occur naturally, while others, like nylon, are artificial. Polymers have extremely high molecular weights, make up many of the tissues of organisms, and have extremely varied and versatile uses in industry, such as in making plastics, concrete, glass, and rubber.

2. ◆ The process by which molecules are linked together to form polymers is called polymerization (pŏl′ə-lĭm′ər-ĭ-zā|||PRIMARY_STRESS|||shən).

polymer

1. In chemistry, a long molecule made up of a chain of smaller, simpler molecules.

Proteins and many carbohydrates, such as cellulose, are polymers. Plastics are also polymers.

Other Word Forms

• polymerism noun
• superpolymer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of polymer¹

First recorded in 1865–70, polymer is from the Greek word polymerḗs having many parts. See poly-, -mer

Example Sentences

The others include rules governing mercury and air toxics; polymers and resins; rubber tires; copper smelting; and coal power, among others.

From Los Angeles Times

He claimed to have developed a "special biodegradable polymer" that would make the tea plants grow in half the usual time.

From BBC

Prosecutors said he created the "CV of a fantasist" - claiming among other things that he was a multi-millionaire, a polymer scientist, a former bomb disposal expert and had invented the "bag for life".

From BBC

Engineers did years of testing on the ground suggesting they could limit dust accumulation, by using polymers designed to dissipate the electrostatic charge attached to the dust.

From Salon

I think that's probably going to be the most impactful part of all of this: It is seeing these things, these little tiny nanoscale particles that are polymers.

From Salon