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

Unlike traditional mascaras—with pigments that can smudge, flake, and take some elbow grease to remove—tubing mascaras contain polymers that coat lashes without smudging and come off easily in warm water. —Allure Editors, Allure, 1 Dec. 2024

By Felix Bischof published 10 October 2024 Recognisable at airports around the world, the grooved shells of Rimowa suitcases – made from polymers or, most famously, aluminium – are in and of themselves a tribute to aviation. —Felix Bischof, theweek, 10 Oct. 2024

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

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