polymer

noun

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

Examples of polymer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The synthetic polymer alternative to polyester can biodegrade in marine environments without leaving a trail of microplastics, according to the company. —Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 21 Apr. 2026

Most fixing sprays focus more on makeup longevity than skin care and, as a result, can dry out the skin with ingredients like polymers and alcohol. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 21 Apr. 2026

Furthemore, simulations showed that water binds tightly to the polymer, boosting dipole strength, while Raman spectroscopy confirmed that water remains structured rather than forming conductive films, allowing output to rise with humidity. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026

The key innovation here is a special coating on those panels made from a conductive polymer called PEDOT-Cl. —Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 14 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

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