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Showing results for polymerization. Search instead for polymerisations.

polymerization

American  
[puh-lim-er-uh-zay-shuhn, pol-uh-mer-] / pəˌlɪm ər əˈzeɪ ʃən, ˌpɒl ə mər- /

noun

Chemistry.
  1. the act or process of forming a polymer or polymeric compound.

  2. the combination of many like or unlike molecules to form a more complex product of higher molecular weight, with elimination of water, alcohol, or the like condensation polymerization, or without such elimination addition polymerization.

  3. the conversion of one compound into another by such a process.


polymerization British  
/ pəˌlɪməraɪˈzeɪʃən, ˌpɒlɪməraɪ- /

noun

  1. the act or process of forming a polymer or copolymer, esp a chemical reaction in which a polymer is formed

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of polymerization

First recorded in 1875–80; polymerize + -ation


Vocabulary lists containing polymerization

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The formation process, known as polymerization, is often carried out with strong or toxic chemicals, which restricts both scaling and the safe use of the materials in areas such as medicine.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 15, 2025

The Campus Norrköping researchers, together with colleagues in Lund and New Jersey, have now succeeded in creating a method where polymerization can happen using visible light only.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 15, 2025

“They informed them that polymerization, they believed polymerization was not occurring, and there was no justification to do a vent and burn,” Homendy said.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 6, 2024

Another technique is to use polymer coatings, in a process known as graft polymerization.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 25, 2024

At the same time, oxidizing and reducing reactions probably occur within the bean, as well as some polymerization and inter-reactions.

From All About Coffee by William H. (William Harrison) Ukers

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