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

Membrane enables ion transport To improve the movement of fluoride ions, the researchers modified the polymer membrane using a mixture of two solvents, 1,3-dioxolane (DOL) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026

The formula for this foundation includes patented polymer technology to create a soft film that never feels dry and ensures a fade-proof, long-wear, airbrush-like finish. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 30 Oct. 2026

The team’s mesh consists of a grid of ultrathin ribbons of polymer with a thin conductive wire of platinum running through them. — Edd Gent, IEEE Spectrum, 29 Oct. 2026

Global polymer manufacturer Americhem has expanded its portfolio by acquiring antimicrobial and conductivity specialist Noble Biomaterials. — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 27 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