polymer

noun

poly·​mer ˈpä-lə-mər 

: a chemical compound or mixture of compounds formed by polymerization and consisting essentially of repeating structural units

polymeric

ˌpä-lə-ˈmer-ik 

adjective

polymerism

pə-ˈli-mə-ˌri-zəm  ˈpä-lə-mə- 

noun

polymerlike

ˈpä-lə-mər-ˌlīk 

adjective

Examples of polymer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The shampoo relies on a blend of gentle, sulfate-free cleansers to lift away buildup while delivering hydration with glycerin and conditioning polymers, so hair feels clean but not stripped. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Apr. 2026

This game-changing spray uses polymers to create an undetectable, weightless layer over hair, blocking frizz-causing humidity. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 27 Apr. 2026

The current objective is to link these components into polymers to create collective motion. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026

The synthetic polymer alternative to polyester can biodegrade in marine environments without leaving a trail of microplastics, according to the company. —Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 21 Apr. 2026

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

Phrases Containing polymer

• high polymer

Rhymes for polymer

• biopolymer
• homopolymer
• copolymer

Kids Definition

polymer

noun

poly·​mer ˈpäl-ə-mər 

: 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 

adjective

Medical Definition

polymer

noun

poly·​mer ˈpäl-ə-mər 

: a chemical compound or mixture of compounds formed by polymerization and consisting essentially of repeating structural units