polymerize

[puh-lim-uh-rahyz, pol-uh-muh-]Chemistry

verb (used with object), po·lym·er·ized, po·lym·er·iz·ing.

to subject to polymerization.

verb (used without object), po·lym·er·ized, po·lym·er·iz·ing.

to undergo polymerization.

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. 2019

Examples from the Web for polymerize

Historical Examples of polymerize

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

to react or cause to react to form a polymer

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

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

polymerize in Medicine

polymerize

[pŏl′ə-mə-rīz′, pə-lĭm′ə-]

v.

To undergo or subject to polymerization.