What does polyamide mean?
A polyamide is a synthetic polymer containing repeated amide groups in its molecular chains. These chemical structures produce materials valued for strength, flexibility, abrasion resistance, and relatively low weight. The most familiar examples are nylon fibers used in clothing, outdoor equipment, luggage, and many other products, although polyamides also occur as engineering plastics and resins with specialized heat, chemical, or dimensional properties. The term is more technical and chemically specific than the everyday word nylon, and in a particular application it may identify either the polymer itself, a fiber made from it, or a molded component. When referring broadly to a material class, polyamide is often used alongside words such as fiber, resin, film, or membrane. It should not be confused with polyesters or polyimides, which use different functional groups in their polymer backbones.
nounA synthetic polymer whose chains contain repeating amide groups. The term is especially associated with strong, durable fibers such as nylon, and also refers to polyamide resins used in engineering and manufacturing.
- A polymer or synthetic material composed of chains containing repeating amide groups.
- A strong, flexible fiber made from such a polymer, especially nylon.
"The climbing rope is made from a lightweight polyamide that is both strong and resistant to abrasion."
"Engineers selected a heat-resistant polyamide for the connector housing."
"She packed several shirts made from quick-drying polyamide for the trip."
Normally used when referring to different polyamide polymers or material formulations.
"The laboratory compared several polyamides for heat resistance."
The name announces the material's chemistry: poly means many, and an amide is the recurring chemical group that gives the polymer its characteristic properties.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does polyamide come from?
The word combines the combining form poly-, from Greek polys, meaning many, with amide, a term derived through French and Latin from the Greek amida. The naming follows the standard practice of forming chemical vocabulary by joining a term for repetition to the functional group present in the polymer. Its cognate polymer and monomer likewise draw on Greek roots for many and part.
How polyamide is actually used
The word is primarily used in technical, manufacturing, textile, and product-description contexts. In general conversation, a particular polyamide fiber may be described more simply as nylon.
Easily confused with polyamide
Polyamides contain amide groups, whereas polyesters contain ester groups in their polymer chains.
Polyimides are heat-resistant polymers based on imide groups, while polyamides are based on amide groups.