polymer

noun

poly·​mer ˈpä-lə-mər 

: a chemical compound or mixture of compounds formed by polymerization and consisting essentially of repeating structural units

polymeric

ˌpä-lə-ˈmer-ik 

adjective

polymerism

pə-ˈli-mə-ˌri-zəm  ˈpä-lə-mə- 

noun

polymerlike

ˈpä-lə-mər-ˌlīk 

adjective

Examples of polymer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These generally have a high talc content (talcum powder enhances the mechanical properties of plastics and acts as a reinforcing agent when added to polymers). —Jason Barlow, WIRED, 2 Nov. 2024

The formula transforms from a gel loaded with polymers that lifts hair at the root into a lightweight mousse for thicker-looing hair. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

But even trims made with the same polymers as the main material, such as polyethylene terephthalate, a.k.a. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 1 Nov. 2024

The casing is a polymer, a form of plastic, and the display protection an unnamed toughened glass. —Andrew Williams, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, back-formation from polymeric, from Greek polymerēs having many parts, from poly- + meros part — more at merit entry 1

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing polymer

• high polymer

Kids Definition

polymer

noun

poly·​mer ˈpäl-ə-mər 

: a chemical compound or mixture of compounds that is formed by combination of smaller molecules and consists basically of repeating structural units

polymeric

ˌpäl-ə-ˈmer-ik 

adjective

Medical Definition

polymer

noun

poly·​mer ˈpäl-ə-mər 

: a chemical compound or mixture of compounds formed by polymerization and consisting essentially of repeating structural units