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 second is a series of air holes with a low refractive index, and the last is a polymer matrix to act as the base material. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 8 Mar. 2026

The polymer mimics lipids in skin cell membranes and can capture moisture when humidity is high and deliver it back to the skin when the air is drier. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2026

The airbrush effect is thanks to a blend of polymers that reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines. —Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 5 Mar. 2026

The structure combines polymers with different shrinkage and luster properties, producing a soft loft and diffuse reflection intended to mimic the sheen of rayon or silk. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 5 Mar. 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