Polymerized: meaning, definitions and examples

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polymerized

 

[ ˈpɒlɪməraɪzd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

chemical process

Polymerized refers to the process of combining small molecules, known as monomers, into a larger, more complex structure called a polymer. This transformation typically involves a chemical reaction that can be initiated through heat, light, or catalyst agents. The resulting polymers exhibit unique properties that differ significantly from their monomer precursors, including increased strength, flexibility, or resistance to chemical degradation. Polymerization is crucial in various industries, including plastics, textiles, and biotechnology.

Synonyms

condensed, formed, synthesized

Examples of usage

  • The rubber was polymerized to enhance its durability.
  • Scientists polymerized the monomers to create a new material.
  • The technique efficiently polymerized the natural substances.
  • He explained how the compound polymerized under specific conditions.

Translations

Translations of the word "polymerized" in other languages:

🇵🇹 polimerizado

🇮🇳 पॉलीमराइज्ड

🇩🇪 polymerisiert

🇮🇩 polimerisasi

🇺🇦 полімеризований

🇵🇱 polimeryzowany

🇯🇵 ポリマー化された

🇫🇷 polymérisé

🇪🇸 polimerizado

🇹🇷 polimerleşmiş

🇰🇷 중합된

🇸🇦 مبلمر

🇨🇿 polymerizovaný

🇸🇰 polymerizovaný

🇨🇳 聚合的

🇸🇮 polimeriziran

🇮🇸 pólýmerað

🇰🇿 полимерленген

🇬🇪 პოლიმერიზებული

🇦🇿 polimerləşmiş

🇲🇽 polimerizado

Etymology

The term 'polymerize' comes from the Greek words 'poly' meaning 'many' and 'meros' meaning 'parts' or 'units'. The usage of the word began in the early 20th century, specifically around the 1900s, as interest in chemistry and the properties of materials surged due to the industrial revolution. Advances in the field of organic chemistry led to the understanding of how simple molecules could link together to form complex structures. Over the years, polymerization has become a fundamental process in the production of various synthetic materials, such as plastics, which are an integral part of modern life. The technique has evolved with new methods like addition and condensation polymerization, contributing significantly to various scientific fields including materials science, medicine, and engineering.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,910, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.