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 cabinet is made from a high-density polymer using a low-pressure molding process, ensuring precise construction, efficient use of materials and acoustic optimization. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025

The synthetic polymers are light and inexpensive, moldable and waterproof, stretchy and resilient. —Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 7 July 2025

Jojoba milk softens and smooths, while a film-form polymer creates a flexible finish that holds styles in place and resists frizz. —Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 26 June 2025

The polymer was engineered to serve as a vehicle for selectively capturing gold, even in the presence of many other metals. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 26 June 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