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

Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University have turned to concepts from polymer physics to better understand a central feature of Alzheimer's disease: the formation of tau protein fibrils.

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It had developed a PETase enzyme capable of dismantling plastic polymers into their building blocks.

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Instead, it uses environmentally friendly polymers and requires very little energy to produce clear fingerprint images in seconds.

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Their breakthrough involves a hybrid device that brings together light-absorbing organic polymers and bacterial enzymes to transform sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into formate, a clean fuel that can power additional chemical reactions.

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And more closures are likely, warns James McLeary, managing director for Biffa's polymers division, as the industry here and in Europe faces its most challenging year yet.

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