polymerize

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

/ pəˈlɪm əˌraɪz, ˈpɒl ə mə- /

Chemistry

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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.

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Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Also especially British, po·lym·er·ise .

Origin of polymerize

First recorded in 1860–65; polymer + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM polymerize

un·po·lym·er·ized, adjective

Words nearby polymerize

polymer, polymerase, polymeric, polymerism, polymerization, polymerize, polymerous, polymethyl methacrylate, polymorph, polymorphic, polymorphic function

How to use polymerize in a sentence

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
Left alone in a fuel air explosive weapon or other container, ethylene oxide tends to self polymerize.
U.S. Patent 4,293,314: Gelled Fuel-Air Explosive|Bertram O. Stull

British Dictionary definitions for polymerize

polymerize

polymerise

/ (ˈpɒlɪməˌraɪz, pəˈlɪmə-) /

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