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polymerize

[puh-lim-uh-rahyz, pol-uh-muh-]Chemistry
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verb (used with object), po·lym·er·ized, po·lym·er·iz·ing.
  1. to subject to polymerization.
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verb (used without object), po·lym·er·ized, po·lym·er·iz·ing.
  1. to undergo polymerization.
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Also especially British, po·lym·er·ise.

Origin of polymerize

First recorded in 1860–65; polymer + -ize
Related formsun·po·lym·er·ized, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for polymerize

Historical Examples

  • A drawback particularly associated with ethylene 45 oxide is its tendency to polymerize during storage.

    U.S. Patent 4,293,314: Gelled Fuel-Air Explosive

    Bertram O. Stull

British Dictionary definitions for polymerize

polymerize

polymerise

verb
  1. to react or cause to react to form a polymer
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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

Word Origin and History for polymerize

v.

1851, from polymer + -ize. Related: Polymerized; polymerizing.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
polymerize in Medicine

polymerize

(pŏl′ə-mə-rīz′, pə-lĭm′ə-)
v.
  1. To undergo or subject to polymerization.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.