polymerize

verb

po·​ly·​mer·​ize pə-ˈli-mə-ˌrīz How to pronounce polymerize (audio) ˈpä-lə-mə- How to pronounce polymerize (audio)
polymerized; polymerizing

intransitive verb

: to undergo polymerization

Examples of polymerize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Alkalization also causes flavonoids to polymerize (link together), which reduces the astringency of the nibs [2]. Alice Chi Phung, Discover Magazine, 25 Feb. 2014 More recently, his lab figured out how these key proteins rapidly rearrange and polymerize to produce these protrusions. Megan Molteni, STAT, 15 Nov. 2021 Lard was the top choice back in the day, but the diet of modern pork industry pigs is not as nutritious, meaning pig fat today doesn't polymerize as easily. Laura Duerr, chicagotribune.com, 17 Mar. 2021 Over the last few decades, researchers have described how individual RNA bases can spontaneously polymerize, forming longer chains that could ultimately catalyze key chemical reactions, including building even longer RNA molecules. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 4 Oct. 2019 These nets, together with other waste, are then recycled, de-polymerized and transformed into modern, ECONYL regenerated nylon. James Love, Essence, 1 Aug. 2019 Meanwhile, when a transcription error occurs, the complex of unfinished RNA and polymerizing enzymes stalls until GreA and other transcription factors enable the removal of the incorrect nucleotide. Quanta Magazine, 22 Nov. 2017 But time and the freeze/thaw cycle took their toll on the 2012 potato’s polymerized concrete skin. Bill Manny, idahostatesman, 20 June 2018 The resulting monomers can then be re-polymerized into a new moldable plastic resin. National Geographic, 13 June 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of polymerize was in 1865

Dictionary Entries Near polymerize

Cite this Entry

“Polymerize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polymerize. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

polymerize

verb
po·​ly·​mer·​ize
variants also British polymerise
polymerized also British polymerised; polymerizing also British polymerising

intransitive verb

: to undergo polymerization
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