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

Instead, sugar boosts softness while a polymer blend adds lasting fullness and style memory. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 May 2025

China is the world’s largest textile producer, manufacturing everything from cotton and silk to synthetic fibers and vinyl polymers. —Nayeli Jaramillo-Plata, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2025

Repairing the Damage After a Heart Attack Modelling Heart Attacks The researchers tested the polymer on rats that were modelled to mimic the cellar conditions following a heart attack. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025

Their research explores materials at the atomic level, developing non-precious metal catalysts and advanced ion-conducting polymers to replace expensive components like platinum. —Amin Mirkouei, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for polymer

• biopolymer
• homopolymer
• copolymer

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