What does polymer mean?
A polymer is a large molecule made from many smaller molecules, called monomers, linked together in repeating chains or networks. The term applies both to natural substances such as proteins, DNA, cellulose, and starch and to synthetic materials such as polyethylene, nylon, and epoxy resins. In ordinary writing, polymer often means the material itself, whereas in chemistry it can refer more precisely to the molecular structure. Polymers are valued for properties that can be adjusted through their composition and structure, including flexibility, strength, durability, and resistance to heat or chemicals. They are central to plastics, textiles, coatings, adhesives, medical materials, and many electronic components. The word is also used figuratively in discussions of large, repeating systems, but its primary meaning remains that of a substance formed by joining many smaller chemical units into long chains.
nounA large molecule composed of many repeated smaller units, or monomers, joined into a chain or network. Polymers can occur naturally, as in proteins and DNA, or be manufactured synthetically, as in plastics and synthetic fibres.
- A substance or molecule consisting of many repeating units derived from smaller molecules called monomers.
- A material made from such molecules, especially a synthetic material used in plastics, fibres, coatings, or packaging.
"The new coating contains a polymer that remains flexible at low temperatures."
"DNA is a natural polymer whose repeated units store genetic information."
"Engineers developed a lightweight polymer for the aircraft’s interior panels."
The plural is used when referring to different polymers, different molecular structures, or different polymer materials.
"These polymers are widely used in medical devices."
From nature’s proteins to engineered plastics, polymers are the microscopic chains that shape much of the material world.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does polymer come from?
The word polymer was formed in the early 19th century from Greek roots meaning “many” and “part,” reflecting the structure of a substance made from many repeating parts. The combining forms poly- and -mer are also visible in related terms such as polymerize, polymerization, and polyethylene, while monomer names a smaller unit capable of forming a polymer. The terminology developed alongside the study of organic chemistry and the recognition that many familiar materials consist of large molecular chains.
Related word forms
How polymer is actually used
In general usage, polymer most often refers to a material rather than an individual molecule. In scientific contexts, it can refer precisely to the molecular structure. British and American spelling differ in the related forms polymerize/polymerise and polymerization/polymerisation.
Easily confused with polymer
A monomer is a small molecule that can join with other monomers to form a polymer, whereas a polymer is the resulting large molecule.