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

Researchers worked with the University of Maine to print a glass-fiber polymer model of an impact limiter. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026

The spray contains film-forming polymers that create a protective barrier, along with hydrolyzed keratin and silk proteins to help condition and reinforce fragile strands. — Polly Blitzer, Glamour, 9 Sep. 2026

At its center is a lightweight honeycomb made from aramid, the heat-resistant family of polymers that includes materials such as Kevlar. — New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2026

The formula is also packed with moisture-binding ingredients, including sodium lactate, PCA, and sodium PCA, alongside conditioning polymers that boost shine, softness, and manageability. — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 5 Sep. 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