Polymeric: meaning, definitions and examples

🧪
Add to dictionary

polymeric

 

[ pəˈlɪmərɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

material science

Polymeric refers to a substance that consists of large molecules composed of repeated structural units (monomers) linked together by covalent bonds. These materials can exhibit a wide range of physical properties and are used in various applications, from plastics and rubber to biological structures. The term is often associated with polymers, which can be natural, like proteins and DNA, or synthetic, like nylon and polyethylene. Understanding polymeric materials is essential in fields like materials science, engineering, and biochemistry.

Synonyms

polymeric compound, polymeric material, polymeric substance.

Examples of usage

  • Polymeric materials are widely used in packaging.
  • The research focused on polymeric gels for drug delivery.
  • Polymeric composites are stronger than traditional materials.

Translations

Translations of the word "polymeric" in other languages:

🇵🇹 polimérico

🇮🇳 पॉलीमर

🇩🇪 polymerisch

🇮🇩 polimer

🇺🇦 полімерний

🇵🇱 polimerowy

🇯🇵 ポリマーの

🇫🇷 polymerique

🇪🇸 polimérico

🇹🇷 polimerik

🇰🇷 고분자

🇸🇦 بوليمرية

🇨🇿 polymerní

🇸🇰 polymerový

🇨🇳 聚合物的

🇸🇮 polimerni

🇮🇸 pólímer

🇰🇿 полимерлік

🇬🇪 პოლიმერული

🇦🇿 polimer

🇲🇽 polimérico

Etymology

The term 'polymeric' is derived from the Greek prefix 'poly-', meaning 'many', and the word 'meros', meaning 'part' or 'unit'. It reflects the structure of these materials, which are composed of long chains of repeating units called monomers. The concept of polymers has existed since the 19th century; however, the modern understanding of polymeric substances began to take shape in the early 20th century with the development of synthetic polymers. Pioneers in the field, such as Hermann Staudinger, played a critical role in explaining the behavior of polymers and earning recognition for their contributions to chemistry. Over the decades, advancements in synthesis and characterization have expanded the applications of polymeric materials in various industries, making them a fundamental aspect of modern science and technology.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,046, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.