POLYMER Definition & Meaning

polymer

[pol-uh-mer]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Chemistry.

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.
a compound formed from two or more polymeric compounds.
a product of polymerization.

polymer

/ ˈpɒlɪmə, ˈpɒlɪmə-, pəˈlɪməˌrɪzəm /

noun

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

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.
◆ The process by which molecules are linked together to form polymers is called polymerization (��ŏ��′ə-��ĭ��′ər-ĭ-��崥��ʸ��Ѵ��۳峧�ո鷡��ə��).

polymer

In chemistry, a long molecule made up of a chain of smaller, simpler molecules.

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Proteins and many carbohydrates, such as cellulose, are polymers. Plastics are also polymers.

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Other 51�Թ� Forms

superpolymer noun
polymerism noun

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of polymer¹

First recorded in 1865–70, polymer is from the Greek word ��Ǳ��⳾��ḗs having many parts. See poly-, -mer

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Prosecutors said he created the "CV of a fantasist" - claiming among other things that he was a multi-millionaire, a polymer scientist, a former bomb disposal expert and had invented the "bag for life".

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Engineers did years of testing on the ground suggesting they could limit dust accumulation, by using polymers designed to dissipate the electrostatic charge attached to the dust.

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I think that's probably going to be the most impactful part of all of this: It is seeing these things, these little tiny nanoscale particles that are polymers.

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In the long-term, scientists and public health experts hope to replace synthetic polymers — which are largely unregulated and can therefore contain dangerous chemicals — with biodegradable and regulated alternatives such as bioplastics like bio-polyethylene and lignin.

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MIT chemical engineers have now designed a new catalyst that can convert methane into useful polymers, which could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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polymathy polymerase

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