What does copolymerize mean?
Copolymerize is a technical verb meaning to combine two or more chemically different monomers through polymerization. The process produces a copolymer, a macromolecule assembled from more than one type of repeating monomer unit, rather than from a single monomer as in homopolymerization. It is used in chemistry, polymer science, plastics, coatings, adhesives, and materials engineering. A sentence such as “the manufacturer copolymerizes ethylene with another monomer” describes combining different molecular building blocks to obtain material with particular properties. Because the composition and arrangement of the monomers can influence flexibility, durability, resistance, or processability, copolymerization gives chemists useful control over the characteristics of a polymer. The verb can be used transitively, with the monomers named as its objects, or intransitively, describing the reacting monomers themselves. The spelling copolymerize is standard in American English, while British English usually uses copolymerise.
verbTo polymerize two or more chemically different monomers together, producing a copolymer. It can also be used intransitively to describe monomers undergoing this process.
- To combine two or more chemically different monomers by polymerization, producing a copolymer.
- To undergo polymerization involving different monomers, thereby forming a copolymer.
"The researchers copolymerized ethylene with a second monomer to produce a durable plastic."
"The process copolymerizes two vinyl monomers to create a polymer with enhanced flexibility."
"Under the appropriate catalyst, the two monomers copolymerize into a single-chain material."
Copolymerize puts chemically different building blocks into the same molecular chain, giving chemists more control over a material's properties.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does copolymerize come from?
Copolymerize was formed in English from copolymer, itself constructed from the prefix co-, meaning “together,” and polymer. Polymer comes through French polymère from Greek polymeros, meaning “having many parts.” The verb-forming suffix -ize was added to copolymerize, expressing the action of forming such a polymer from different monomers.
Related word forms
How copolymerize is actually used
This is chiefly a technical term used in chemistry, polymer science, and materials engineering. The standard British spelling is usually copolymerise, while copolymerize is common in American usage.
Easily confused with copolymerize
Copolymerize is the verb describing the process, whereas copolymer is the resulting polymeric material.
Polymerize is the general process, while copolymerize specifically involves monomers of different types.