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

According to the company, the ingredient creates pathways that allow naturally occurring microorganisms to break down the polymer in environments with the conditions needed for biodegradation. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

During curing, low-molecular-weight polymers crosslink into a higher-molecular-weight polymer network. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026

Furthermore, intense solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation will break down the molecular bonds in organic polymers. — New Atlas, 26 Sep. 2026

The 18 lower receivers were described in the affidavit as unfinished polymer components that had not been serialized like ordinary completed lower receivers. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 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