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

/ pŏl′ə-mər /

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.

Notes

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

Derived Forms

• polymerism, noun

Other Words From

• super·poly·mer 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

Vasalgel, a reversible, non-hormonal polymer that blocks the vas deferens, is about to enter human trials.

From The Daily Beast

When the Undetectable Firearms Act passed in 1988, gun manufacturers had begun using lightweight polymer in handguns.

From The Daily Beast

In 1989, Surfrider incurred a backlash when they proposed dropping giant polymer sandbags near Ventura to create a new surf break.

From The Daily Beast

This could be Canada's biggest monetary scandal since the discovery that the new polymer $100 bill smells of maple syrup.

From The Daily Beast

But the stuff Vaneski used to patch my suit is a polymer that leaks hydrogen very easily.

From Project Gutenberg