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

Crafted in Japan, Fluid Flex Foundation Technology is a polymer blend, infused with color-true longwear pigments that resist oxidation, while starfruit extract helps oil and shine control. — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026

On the other hand, acoustic cavities can be 3D-nanoprinted using standard plastics, rubbery polymers, or glass. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 Aug. 2026

Products like Hourglass’s Unlocked wrap each lash in a tiny polymer tube that prevents flaking and is removed with nothing but warm water. — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026

Unlike many expandable hoses that start leaking after one season, its outer material is made from a liquid crystal polymer with a UV-resistant coating that’s especially durable. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 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