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Polymerize: meaning, definitions and examples

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polymerize

 

[ ˈpɒlɪməraɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

chemical process

To polymerize means to undergo or cause a chemical reaction in which small molecules called monomers combine to form a large chain or network molecule known as a polymer. This process is significant in organic chemistry and materials science, as it forms the basis of the production of plastics, rubbers, and fibers. Different methods of polymerization include addition polymerization and condensation polymerization, each having distinct mechanisms. The properties and applications of polymers depend largely on the type of monomers used and the structure of the resulting polymer.

Synonyms

combine, link, synthesize

Examples of usage

  • The scientists aim to polymerize the new biodegradable material.
  • In the lab, we will polymerize the monomers under controlled conditions.
  • Researchers are discovering ways to polymerize CO2 into useful products.
  • The process to polymerize this compound must be conducted at low temperatures.

Translations

Translations of the word "polymerize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 polimerizar

🇮🇳 पॉलीमराइज करना

🇩🇪 polymerisieren

🇮🇩 polimerisasi

🇺🇦 полімеризувати

🇵🇱 polimeryzować

🇯🇵 重合する

🇫🇷 polymériser

🇪🇸 polimerizar

🇹🇷 polimerleştirmek

🇰🇷 중합하다

🇸🇦 تPOLIMERIZE

🇨🇿 polymeryzovat

🇸🇰 polymérizovať

🇨🇳 聚合

🇸🇮 polimerizirati

🇮🇸 polymerize

🇰🇿 полимерлеу

🇬🇪 პოლიმერიზება

🇦🇿 polimerləşdirmək

🇲🇽 polimerizar

Etymology

The term 'polymerize' is derived from the Greek words 'poly' meaning 'many' and 'meros' meaning 'parts' or 'units'. The concept of polymerization emerged in the 19th century alongside the development of synthetic materials. In 1835, the chemist Friedrich Wöhler was among the first to synthesize a polymer, urea. However, the term 'polymer' itself entered common scientific usage much later, with significant contributions from chemists such as Hermann Staudinger in the 1920s, who proposed the molecular theory of polymers. Over time, the understanding of polymerization processes and the ability to control them led to advancements in industrial applications, enabling the creation of various synthetic polymers that are now ubiquitous in everyday life.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,319 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.