polyvinyl alcohol
noun
variants
or less commonly polyvinylalcohol
: a colorless synthetic polymer that has the chemical structure H(CH2CHOH)nH and that is used especially in adhesives, films, and fibers, and in biomedical applications especially as hydrogels
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a nontoxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible polymer and has been used extensively in various fields.—Leela Gautam et al.
Today, instead of starch or gelatin, we often use a synthetic material, polyvinyl alcohol, which can be dissolved in water to make "white glue," a current household favorite.—Joe Schwarcz
called also PVA
Cite this Entry
“Polyvinyl alcohol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyvinyl%20alcohol. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.
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