Polymer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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polymer
[ˈpɒlɪmə ]
Definitions
chemistry
A substance that has a molecular structure consisting chiefly or entirely of a large number of similar units bonded together.
Synonyms
compound, macromolecule, resin.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| polymer |
Commonly used in scientific or industrial fields to describe a substance composed of large molecules made up of repeating structural units. It can refer to both natural and synthetic materials.
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| compound |
Often used in chemistry to describe a substance made from two or more different elements that are chemically bonded together in a fixed ratio.
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| macromolecule |
Used mainly in scientific contexts, especially in biochemistry and molecular biology, to describe very large molecules, typically composed of thousands of atoms. Examples include proteins, nucleic acids, and polymers.
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| resin |
Used primarily in industry and manufacturing, referring to a solid or highly viscous substance of plant or synthetic origin that is typically convertible into polymers. Often involved in making plastics or adhesives.
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Examples of usage
- This polymer is used in the production of various plastic materials.
- The polymerization process creates long chains of molecules.
biology
A large molecule composed of many repeated subunits.
Synonyms
biopolymer, macromolecule, polymer compound.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| polymer |
A general term used in both scientific and industrial contexts to describe large molecules made up of many repeating subunits. Appropriate for discussing chemical substances in various applications.
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| macromolecule |
Used in scientific discussions to describe any large molecule, not just polymers. Common in fields like chemistry, biology, and materials science.
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| biopolymer |
Suitable for contexts involving natural polymers derived from living organisms. Commonly used in biological, environmental, and medical fields.
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| polymer compound |
Appropriate when discussing a specific type of polymer with additional elements or structures. Often used in technical and industrial contexts.
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Examples of usage
- DNA is a polymer made up of nucleotide monomers.
- Proteins are polymers made up of amino acid monomers.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Polymers can be natural, like rubber from trees or proteins in our bodies, or synthetic, like plastics.
- The process of creating these materials is called polymerization, where small molecules, or monomers, bond together.
- Different types of polymers can have vastly different properties, making them useful in countless applications.
Technology
- Polymers are essential in modern technology, found in everything from smartphones to medical devices.
- 3D printing often uses polymers, allowing for complex shapes and structures in manufacturing.
- Smart polymers can change properties in response to environmental conditions, like temperature or pH.
Pop Culture
- Plastic, a common polymer, has been a topic of environmental discussions due to its widespread use and disposal issues.
- Many popular toys, like LEGO bricks, are made from various polymers, making them durable and colorful.
- In movies like 'Big Hero 6,' fictional advanced materials often reference polymers that can heal or adapt.
Environmental Impact
- Some synthetic polymers are not biodegradable, leading to waste challenges and pollution in oceans and landscapes.
- Research into biopolymers, which are made from renewable sources, aims to create more sustainable materials.
- Recycling technologies are improving to reclaim and reuse polymers, helping reduce waste.
Origin of 'polymer'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek 'polus,' meaning 'many,' and 'meros,' meaning 'parts.'
- First used in the early 19th century to describe substances made of repeating units.
- The concept was expanded significantly with the work of chemists in the late 1800s.
The term 'polymer' was first coined by the Swedish chemist Jons Jacob Berzelius in 1833, combining the Greek words 'poly', meaning many, and 'meros', meaning parts. The development and study of polymers have revolutionized multiple industries, from plastics to biology, leading to numerous advancements in materials science and technology.