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

On September 14, 2017 the Bank of England issued the first polymer £10 banknote. —Literary Hub, 4 Aug. 2025

Beyond adding a professional gloss-level shine, the hydrating ingredients and special color-locking polymers help extend the vibrancy of my dye job. —Mary Honkus, Glamour, 30 July 2025

Photothermal materials can be made of substances including polymers, metals, alloys, ceramics, or cements. —Elizabeth Rayne, ArsTechnica, 26 July 2025

Sanitized is a 90-year-old producer of antimicrobial hygiene function and material protection for textiles and polymers. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 3 July 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