noun Uncommon

polymer

POL-ih-muh

Polymer (noun) means a large molecule made of many repeating smaller units (monomers) chemically bonded together. Example: “Plastics are polymers built from long chains of repeating molecules.”

noun

A large molecule made of many repeating smaller units (monomers) chemically bonded together.

"Plastics are polymers built from long chains of repeating molecules."

"Scientists are developing biodegradable polymers to replace conventional plastic."

How to Use Polymer

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA material made of long, repeating chains of molecules, such as plastic or rubber.

Common pairings

synthetic polymer polymer chain natural polymer

Word Forms

polymers plural

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Plastics are _____ built from long chains of repeating molecules.

Etymology

Coined by the chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius in 1833, from Greek polús ("many") and méros ("part").

Origin: Greek · First attested 1833

Class of 1833 polymer joined the language around 1833.

electrode

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Synonyms

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macromolecule

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “polymer” mean?

The word “polymer” means a large molecule made of many repeating smaller units (monomers) chemically bonded together. In plain terms, a material made of long, repeating chains of molecules, such as plastic or rubber.

How do you pronounce “polymer”?

“Polymer” is pronounced POL-ih-muh (/ˈpɑ.lɪ.mɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “polymer” in a sentence?

Here is “polymer” used in a sentence: “Plastics are polymers built from long chains of repeating molecules.”

What part of speech is “polymer”?

“Polymer” is a noun.

Where does the word “polymer” come from?

The word “polymer” dates back to around 1833 and comes from Greek. Coined by the chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius in 1833, from Greek polús ("many") and méros ("part").

Is “polymer” a common word?

“Polymer” is an uncommon word in modern English.

What is the difference between a polymer and a monomer?

A monomer is a single small molecule, while a polymer is the large molecule formed when many monomers chemically bond together in a repeating chain. In short, polymers are built from monomers.

What is the difference between a polymer and a plastic?

All plastics are polymers, but not all polymers are plastics; polymer is the broader chemical term for any large molecule made of repeating bonded units, including natural substances like proteins and cellulose. Plastic specifically refers to synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers that can be molded when soft.

Are all polymers synthetic?

No, many polymers occur naturally, such as proteins, DNA, and cellulose, alongside synthetic polymers like nylon and polyethylene that are manufactured industrially. The defining feature is the repeating monomer structure, not how the polymer was produced.

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Vocabulary lists that include polymer:

Words With the Root "poly-"