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polymerization
noun
po·ly·mer·i·za·tion
pə-ˌli-mə-rə-ˈzā-shən
ˌpä-lə-mə-rə-
1
: a chemical reaction in which two or more molecules combine to form larger molecules that contain repeating structural units compare association sense 5
2
: reduplication of parts in an organism
Examples of polymerization in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The facilities will house everything from pre-processing depolymerization to polymerization and PET-chip production.
—Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019
The difference between gel extensions and acrylic nail tips comes down to the polymerization process, ease of removal, and the extension's density, says nail artist and gel extension specialist Brittney Boyce.
—Olivia Muenter, Allure, 8 Jan. 2024
Eventually, a biotechnology manufacturer agreed to take on the project, using a process known as two-photon polymerization to create the bag out of resin.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 June 2023
The gentle, but efficient formula removes food particles and stuck on grease without stripping away the polymerization on your grill or cast iron kitchen appliances.
—Kaitlyn McInnis, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2023
This process is called polymerization.
—Julie Harans, Bon Appétit, 19 Jan. 2023
Without any of the enzymes that biochemistry provides, the production of peptides is an inefficient two-step process that involves first making amino acids and then removing water as the amino acids link up into chains in a process called polymerization.
—Quanta Magazine, 8 Mar. 2022
Typically this involves a reaction known as polymerization, in which smaller molecules known as monomers react together to create long chains known as polymers.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 Mar. 2023
To get around this, Livingston and his colleagues turned to an industrial approach for making ultrathin water desalination membranes called interfacial polymerization.
—Byrobert F. Service, science.org, 30 Sep. 2022
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Word History
Etymology
International Scientific Vocabulary
First Known Use
1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near polymerization
Cite this Entry
“Polymerization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polymerization. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
polymerization
noun
po·ly·mer·i·za·tion
pə-ˌlim-ə-rə-ˈzā-shən
ˌpäl-ə-mə-rə-
: a chemical reaction in which two or more small molecules combine to form larger molecules
polymerize
verb
pə-ˈlim-ə-ˌrīz
ˈpäl-ə-mə-
Medical Definition
polymerization
noun
po·ly·mer·iza·tion
variants
also British polymerisation
1
: a chemical reaction in which two or more small molecules combine to form larger molecules that contain repeating structural units of the original molecules compare association sense 4
2
: reduplication of parts in an organism
More from Merriam-Webster on polymerization
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polymerization
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