poly

play

noun, often attributive \ ˈpä-lē \

Definition of poly

plural polys play \-lēz\

:a polymerized plastic or something made of this; especially :a polyester fiber, fabric, or garment

Recent Examples of poly from the Web

Herschel Supply Co. Settlement poly backpack, in Caramel, $59, herschelsupply.com. Stencil it: Transform a basic sack by painting on your honey bunny’s favorite animal.

— martha stewart, star-telegram, "Martha’s projects tackle headboards, backpacks and savory snacks," 26 Aug. 2017
The fabric won't be mistaken for fine wool but that's okay because the poly-viscose blend can take a beating better than any wool could.

— max berlinger, GQ, "The Best Black Suit Is the Key to Badass Style (Even If You're Not a Badass)," 15 Aug. 2017
The most recent critters to come under the Frankenburgs’ foster care were a Chihuahua mom, Mama Paris, and her three roly-poly, 2-week-old babies — Tito, Messi and Love Bug.

— kelli bender, PEOPLE.com, "Itty-Bitty Shelter Puppies Get Their Own Newborn Photoshoot, Might Be Cuter Than Babies," 11 Aug. 2017
The same goes for poly-fill products without flame retardants, though to a lesser degree.

— anne kniggendorf, kansascity, "Today’s homes burn faster than ones in the past, and your furniture may be to blame," 14 July 2017
The most popular flag sizes are 3 feet by 5 feet, using nylon fabric, which can handle varying weather, or poly-cotton fabric, a less expensive blend for indoors.

— liz dennerlein, USA TODAY, "At U.S. flag factory, American pride shows in every stitch," 25 June 2017
And there are lots of examples of long-term poly relationships out there—established triads, quads, quints—

— dan savage, Chicago Reader, "Odd woman out," 22 June 2017
Other types of fat include poly-unsaturated fats (found in nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and corn and soybean oils) and mono-unsaturated fats (also found in nuts and seeds, as well as avocado and olive and canola oils).

— amanda macmillan, Health.com, "Coconut Oil Is Just as Bad as Butter and Beef Fat, Heart Docs Say," 16 June 2017
Made by Big South Company in Fort Payne, these socks come in a variety of color combinations and are made from a blend of cotton, nylon, poly and spandex.

— AL.com, "15 Alabama-made gifts for Father's Day," 7 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'poly.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of poly

short for polymer

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1942

See Words from the same year

poly-

combining form

Definition of poly-

1 :many :several :much :multi-

polychotomous

polygyny

2 a :containing an indefinite number more than one of a (specified) substance

polysulfide

b :polymeric :polymer of a (specified) monomer

polyethylene

polyadenylic acid

Origin and Etymology of poly-

Greek, from polys; akin to Old High German filu many, Sanskrit puru, Latin plenus full — more at full

POLY Defined for English Language Learners

poly-

combining form

Definition of poly- for English Language Learners

: many

POLY Defined for Kids

poly-

prefix

Definition of poly- for Students

:many :much :multi-

polymer

Medical Dictionary

poly

play

noun \ ˈpäl-ē \

medical Definition of poly

plural polys play \-ēz\

:a polymorphonuclear leukocyte

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See words that rhyme with poly Britannica English: Translation of poly for Arabic speakers

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Origin and Etymology of poly

poly-

Definition of poly-

Origin and Etymology of poly-

POLY Defined for English Language Learners

poly-

Definition of poly- for English Language Learners

POLY Defined for Kids

poly-

Definition of poly- for Students

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poly

medical Definition of poly

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