polymer

noun

poly·​mer ˈpä-lə-mər How to pronounce polymer (audio)
: a chemical compound or mixture of compounds formed by polymerization and consisting essentially of repeating structural units
polymeric adjective
polymerlike adjective

Examples of polymer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The lenses of solar eclipse glasses are made of black polymer, or resin infused with carbon particles, which blocks nearly all visible, infrared and ultraviolet light, according to The Planetary Society. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 7 Apr. 2024 Hill says that vinegar can help break down heavy oil and products that hold polymers in them, such as hair sprays and gel. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2024 Flexible sensors for health care monitoring have been printed using an electrically conducting polymer that responds to temperature differentials. Phillip W. Barth, IEEE Spectrum, 25 Mar. 2024 Many other nations have moved toward a type of polymer notes, which are a form of plastic which lasts about four times longer than U.S. paper. Kurt Snibbe, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024 By fingerprinting the energy signatures corresponding to the atomic vibrations, the researchers can identify the types of polymers present. Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Jan. 2024 However, the researchers found that a hydrophobic polymer worked best. IEEE Spectrum, 8 Apr. 2024 Plastic is problematic because it’s mostly made from polymers created from dangerous fossil fuels. Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 19 Mar. 2024 The lotion’s other active ingredient is dimethicone, a silicon polymer that acts as an emollient, sealing in the skin’s natural moisture and protecting it. Tanya Edwards, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polymer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of polymer was in 1866

Dictionary Entries Near polymer

Cite this Entry

“Polymer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polymer. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

polymer

noun
poly·​mer ˈpäl-ə-mər How to pronounce polymer (audio)
: a chemical compound or mixture of compounds that is formed by combination of smaller molecules and consists basically of repeating structural units
polymeric adjective

Medical Definition

polymer

noun
poly·​mer ˈpäl-ə-mər How to pronounce polymer (audio)
: a chemical compound or mixture of compounds formed by polymerization and consisting essentially of repeating structural units

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