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

Many environmental advocates and policy experts lauded the legal action as a major step toward ending greenwashing by Exxon Mobil — the world’s largest producer of single-use plastic polymer.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s a deception. It’s been a deception for half a century. If they were going to be able to recycle plastic polymer back into virgin resin, they would have done it already. But they are using the same technology we’ve had since the Industrial Revolution. It’s a coke oven, a blast furnace.”

From Los Angeles Times

"A track has to have contradictory properties. So the ideal track has to be both hard and soft," notes João Bomfim, a polymer chemist in Luxembourg who previously headed research and development for Mondo.

From BBC

The cell is composed of platinum, aluminum oxide, and a super thin, 10 nanometer polymer film.

From Science Daily

In this analog environment computers are used to manage workflow, and a processor upstairs transfers digital design files to make polymer plates used for most jobs.

From Los Angeles Times