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

County says cigarette filters create costly plastic pollution The lawsuit argues that cigarette filters are made from cellulose acetate, a nonbiodegradable plastic polymer that persists in the environment long after it is discarded. — Reeti Malhotra july 23, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026

If the lead paint is in good condition, paint over it with a specialized, thick elastomeric or polymer coating that will bond to the lead paint and prevent chips or dust from escaping. — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2026

After this, oxygen was introduced into the stubborn polymer chains, which created the reactive weak spots needed for the treatment to dismantle all three plastic types. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026

The company says this film brings 20 times more mechanical rigidity than the polymer film used before. — Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 14 July 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