What does polymerize mean?
To polymerize is to undergo or cause the formation of a polymer, a large molecule made from many smaller units called monomers. The resulting structure may take the form of long chains, networks, or other arrangements depending on the substances and reaction conditions involved. Polymerization is central to the production of plastics, synthetic fibres, resins, coatings, and many other materials. The verb can be used transitively, as when a catalyst causes particular molecules to polymerize, and intransitively, as when a liquid substance gradually polymerizes during heating. Although “polymerize” is a technical term, its meaning is fairly transparent: it names the process through which separate small molecules become one much larger molecular structure. The related noun “polymerization” names that process, while “polymer” refers to the substance produced.
verbTo form a polymer, joining many smaller molecules called monomers into a single macromolecular structure. It may also describe molecules undergoing this chemical process.
- To undergo the chemical process of forming a polymer.
- To cause molecules to join into a polymer.
"The catalyst causes the monomers to polymerize into long chains."
"The liquid monomer begins to polymerize as its temperature rises."
"Chemists used a catalyst to polymerize the raw material into a durable plastic."
Polymerization builds enormous molecules from many small ones—and gives plastics much of their strength.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does polymerize come from?
The word was formed in the 19th century by combining “polymer,” meaning a substance composed of many repeated units, with the verb-forming suffix “-ize.” The prefix “poly-” comes from Greek polus, “many,” and the related element “-mer” derives from Greek meros, “part.” “Polymerization,” “polymeric,” and “polymer” therefore share the same etymological foundation of “many parts” or repeated units.
Related word forms
How polymerize is actually used
In British English, the standard spelling is commonly “polymerise”; “polymerize” is standard in American English. The word is primarily used in chemistry, materials science, and polymer manufacturing.
Easily confused with polymerize
To polymerize is the process of joining monomers together, whereas a polymer is the resulting large molecule.