polymer

1 of 2

noun (1)

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
ˌpä-lə-ˈmer-ik How to pronounce polymer (audio)
adjective
polymerism
pə-ˈli-mə-ˌri-zəm How to pronounce polymer (audio) ˈpä-lə-mə- How to pronounce polymer (audio)
noun
polymerlike
ˈpä-lə-mər-ˌlīk How to pronounce polymer (audio)
adjective

polymerism

2 of 2

noun (2)

po·​lym·​er·​ism pəˈliməˌrizəm How to pronounce polymerism (audio)
ˈpälə̇məˌrizəm, 
-lēm-
plural -s
: the quality or state of being polymeric

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.
Noun
Termites don’t get a lot of nitrogen in their diet of wood, which is largely comprised of a polymer of sugar molecules. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 16 June 2026 The spray has peptides and polymers to increase hair diameter and lend fullness, along with amino acids for cuticle repair and scalp nourishment. — Cathy Nelson, InStyle, 21 June 2026 Cleat makers are also embracing new types of polymers and synthetic materials that early shoemakers couldn’t have dreamed of. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 2 July 2026 The addition of super-absorbent polymers (SAP) or hydrogels can retain water longer. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for polymer

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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

Noun (1)

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polymer was in 1866

Phrases Containing polymer

Rhymes for polymer

See All Rhymes for polymer

Browse Nearby Words

polymelia
polymer
Polymera
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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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
ˌpäl-ə-ˈmer-ik How to pronounce polymer (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on polymer

Nglish: Translation of polymer for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polymer

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