polymerization
noun
po·ly·mer·i·za·tion
pə-ˌli-mə-rə-ˈzā-shən 
ˌpä-lə-mə-rə-
ˌpä-lə-mə-rə-
1
: a chemical reaction in which two or more molecules combine to form larger molecules that contain repeating structural units compare association sense 5
2
: reduplication of parts in an organism
Examples of polymerization in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That starts a chain reaction of polymerization that ultimately kills the cell.
—
Jon Hamilton, NPR, 16 Oct. 2025
The review examines chemical reactions inside bio-tar, particularly those involving oxygen-rich compounds like carbonyls and furans, which naturally promote polymerization — processes where small molecules link to form larger, more stable carbon structures.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
Meanwhile, exposure to oxygen encourages tannins in red wines to bind together, a process known as polymerization.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2025
My hypothesis is that the daily repetition of using high heat and plenty of oil, over time, jumpstarted a natural polymerization.
—Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2025
The difference between gel extensions and acrylic nail tips comes down to the polymerization process, ease of removal, and the extension's density, says nail artist and gel extension specialist Brittney Boyce.
—Olivia Muenter, Allure, 8 Jan. 2024
Eventually, a biotechnology manufacturer agreed to take on the project, using a process known as two-photon polymerization to create the bag out of resin.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 June 2023
The gentle, but efficient formula removes food particles and stuck on grease without stripping away the polymerization on your grill or cast iron kitchen appliances.
—Kaitlyn McInnis, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2023
This process is called polymerization.
—Julie Harans, Bon Appétit, 19 Jan. 2023
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Jon Hamilton, NPR, 16 Oct. 2025
The review examines chemical reactions inside bio-tar, particularly those involving oxygen-rich compounds like carbonyls and furans, which naturally promote polymerization — processes where small molecules link to form larger, more stable carbon structures.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
Meanwhile, exposure to oxygen encourages tannins in red wines to bind together, a process known as polymerization.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2025
My hypothesis is that the daily repetition of using high heat and plenty of oil, over time, jumpstarted a natural polymerization.
—Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2025
The difference between gel extensions and acrylic nail tips comes down to the polymerization process, ease of removal, and the extension's density, says nail artist and gel extension specialist Brittney Boyce.
—Olivia Muenter, Allure, 8 Jan. 2024
Eventually, a biotechnology manufacturer agreed to take on the project, using a process known as two-photon polymerization to create the bag out of resin.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 June 2023
The gentle, but efficient formula removes food particles and stuck on grease without stripping away the polymerization on your grill or cast iron kitchen appliances.
—Kaitlyn McInnis, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2023
This process is called polymerization.
—Julie Harans, Bon Appétit, 19 Jan. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Polymerization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polymerization. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
polymerization
noun
po·ly·mer·i·za·tion
pə-ˌlim-ə-rə-ˈzā-shən
ˌpäl-ə-mə-rə-
ˌpäl-ə-mə-rə-
: a chemical reaction in which two or more small molecules combine to form larger molecules
polymerize
verb
pə-ˈlim-ə-ˌrīz
ˈpäl-ə-mə-
Medical Definition
polymerization
noun
po·ly·mer·iza·tion
variants
also British polymerisation
1
: a chemical reaction in which two or more small molecules combine to form larger molecules that contain repeating structural units of the original molecules compare association sense 4
2
: reduplication of parts in an organism
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