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

This method uses a proprietary polymer cleaning roller to physically remove dust, liquids, and solid waste from surfaces rather than airflow suction. —William Jones, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026

These tubes can also reinforce polymers or metals while maintaining conductivity. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Jan. 2026

Acrylics are created using liquid monomer and powder polymer, which should be mixed carefully by your nail tech. —Tori Crowther, Refinery29, 29 Jan. 2026

Teflon, for example, the brand name for a type of polymer made up of carbon and fluorine, is commonly used in cookware because its low reactivity makes the material non-stick. —Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 27 Jan. 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