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

The men’s Run 900 Ultra Black Shorts feature integrated Rheon technology, a reactive polymer that remains soft at rest but stiffens under pressure. —Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2026

Once that outer mold has hardened, the wax or polymer is melted out from the inside, leaving an empty shell in which molten metal is poured and set into the precisely detailed final product. —New Atlas, 10 Apr. 2026

Houndsy Kibble Dispenser The Houndsy Kibble Dispenser is a high-end pet feeding station which blends durability with a refined design, featuring a premium, impact-resistant polymer exterior and a robust rail system for effortless drawer and lever movement. —Rachel Cortez, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026

Through a specialized molten salt treatment, the long polymer chains in polyethylene are broken down into fuel-grade molecules. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Apr. 2026

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