polyacrylamide

noun

poly·​acryl·​amide ˌpä-lē-ə-ˈkri-lə-ˌmīd How to pronounce polyacrylamide (audio)
: a polyamide of acrylic acid

Examples of polyacrylamide 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.
To solve this, the team designed a polyacrylamide copolymer called MoNi. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2025 But the gel holds together throughout the bounce thanks to the stronger covalent bonds of the polyacrylamide. — Ashley P. Taylor, Discover Magazine, 7 Sep. 2012 The other contained polyacrylamide, a chemical compound primarily used in wastewater treatment but also found in certain cosmetics. — oregonlive, 11 May 2020 The polyacrylamide gel, similar to what’s in baby diapers, is thicker and stickier than the typical retardant used in aerial firefighting tactics. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2021 Today, protein separation is typically conducted using gel made of polyacrylamide instead of potato starch. — Denise Gellene, New York Times, 11 Jan. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polyacrylamide was in 1944

Rhymes for polyacrylamide

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Browse Nearby Words

poly(A)
polyacrylamide
polyacrylate
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Cite this Entry

“Polyacrylamide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyacrylamide. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

polyacrylamide

noun
poly·​acryl·​amide ˌpäl-ē-ə-ˈkril-ə-ˌmīd How to pronounce polyacrylamide (audio)
: a polyamide polymer (−CH2CHCONH2−)x derived from acrylic acid
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