polymer

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

polymerism

2 of 2

noun (2)

po·​lym·​er·​ism pəˈliməˌrizəm 

ˈpälə̇məˌrizəm, 

-lēm-

plural -s

: the quality or state of being polymeric

Examples of polymer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The formula pairs glycerin and flexible polymers to coat and define every lash without weighing them down, while the dual-length brush prevents clumps and lengthens from root to tip. — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 15 Oct. 2026

Samsara Eco develops enzymatic recycling technology that breaks polyester and nylon 6,6 into monomers, which can then be used to make new polymers. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Ranging in diameter from 1 to 3 millimeters, each FiberMotor is in fact composed of two concentric hollow polymer fibers – a wider one on the outside, with a narrower one nested inside of it. — Ben Coxworth october 11, New Atlas, 11 Oct. 2026

The polymer filament is sold in spools that feed into 3-D printers, allowing the devices to form designs created by their owners. — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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

Noun (1)

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