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

Piezoelectricity, which translates from Greek to mean pressing electricity, usually found in ceramics or polymers, is also present in human biomolecules.

From Science Daily

Also known as decahydronaphthalene, it is a colourless liquid at room temperature that is often used as a solvent, as well as in the production of various resins and polymers.

From Science Daily

Despite the planet’s growing plastic pollution crisis, petroleum-based polymers have become an integral part of modern life.

From Los Angeles Times

Polyurethanes are man-made polymers - big molecules made of lots of repeated units.

From BBC

Gels and glassy polymers are classes of materials that have historically been viewed as distinct from one another.

From Science Daily