polymer

noun

poly·​mer ˈpä-lə-mər How to pronounce polymer (audio)
: a chemical compound or mixture of compounds formed by polymerization and consisting essentially of repeating structural units
polymeric adjective
polymerlike adjective

Examples of polymer 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.
These generally have a high talc content (talcum powder enhances the mechanical properties of plastics and acts as a reinforcing agent when added to polymers). Jason Barlow, WIRED, 2 Nov. 2024 The formula transforms from a gel loaded with polymers that lifts hair at the root into a lightweight mousse for thicker-looing hair. Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 But even trims made with the same polymers as the main material, such as polyethylene terephthalate, a.k.a. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 1 Nov. 2024 The casing is a polymer, a form of plastic, and the display protection an unnamed toughened glass. Andrew Williams, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for polymer 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of polymer was in 1866

Dictionary Entries Near polymer

Cite this Entry

“Polymer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polymer. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

polymer

noun
poly·​mer ˈpäl-ə-mər How to pronounce polymer (audio)
: a chemical compound or mixture of compounds that is formed by combination of smaller molecules and consists basically of repeating structural units
polymeric adjective

Medical Definition

polymer

noun
poly·​mer ˈpäl-ə-mər How to pronounce polymer (audio)
: a chemical compound or mixture of compounds formed by polymerization and consisting essentially of repeating structural units

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