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
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

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.
In the battery, the coated ceramic particles interact with the surrounding polymer chains and create interconnected pathways that allow lithium ions to travel more efficiently. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026 The new approach instead attempts to exploit the different chemical susceptibilities of the polymers. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, flexible polymers and skin-care-grade ingredients (like panthenol and glycerin) work together to hold styles, while still keeping hair hydrated and glossy. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026 The tariffs apply to products including heavy machinery, plastic polymers, home goods, light fixtures, paper products, specialized medical supplies and other imports. — Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 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

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 1 Sep. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polymer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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