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

• superpolymer noun
• polymerism 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

Crews salvaged much of the original structure but replaced the damaged section with fiber-reinforced polymer in the hope of making the span stronger and more resilient to its unforgiving environment.

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

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

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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".

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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.

Read more on Salon