polymerize

verb

po·​ly·​mer·​ize pə-ˈli-mə-ˌrīz  ˈpä-lə-mə- 

polymerized; polymerizing

transitive verb

: to subject to polymerization

intransitive verb

: to undergo polymerization

Examples of polymerize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

First developed nearly a century ago, the FT process passes a syngas, or synthesis gas, over a metal catalyst such as iron or cobalt under high heat and pressure to polymerize into long-chain hydrocarbons. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026

The report finds that purified terephthalic acid production and monoethylene glycol, used to polymerize polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, are the biggest contributors across nearly all environmental impact categories. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 17 June 2026

Cast-iron pans get their nonstick properties from the seasoning process, where oils polymerize to their surface under high heat, creating a smooth surface that lets food release easily. — Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Dec. 2025

Doing so causes select areas of the resin within to polymerize into layers of solid material. — Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 4 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for polymerize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Medical Definition

polymerize

verb

po·​ly·​mer·​ize

variants also British polymerise

pə-ˈlim-ə-ˌrīz  ˈpäl-ə-mə- 

polymerized also British polymerised; polymerizing also British polymerising

transitive verb

: to subject to polymerization

intransitive verb

: to undergo polymerization