Word
poly
US/ˈpɑɫi/
UK/pˈɒli/
Definitions
01a college
n. a polytechnic, which is a type of college that focuses on practical or technical subjects.
n. a polytechnic college. This usage is primarily British and often refers to institutions that were converted into universities in the early 1990s.
“My dad studied engineering at the local poly before it became a university.”
“Before the 1992 reforms, many students preferred the vocational focus of a poly over the more theoretical approach of traditional universities.”
British English · Informal
Usage
Usually used with 'the' when referring to a specific local institution.
Teaching tip
In the UK, most 'polys' are now officially universities, so this term is increasingly used by older generations or in a historical context.
Synonyms
02plastic or fabric
n. a short way to say polyester, polyethylene, or other plastic materials.
n. a clipping for various polymers, including polyester, polyethylene, or polyurethane, depending on the industry.
“This shirt is a poly-cotton blend, so it doesn't wrinkle easily.”
“The manufacturer switched to a high-density poly for the casing to improve the product's impact resistance.”
Informal · Technical
Usage
Often appears as a prefix in compound words like 'poly-tunnel' or 'poly-blend'.
03polyamory
n. a person who has more than one romantic partner at the same time, or the practice itself.
n. a clipping for polyamory or a polyamorous person; refers to the practice of engaging in multiple romantic relationships with the consent of all involved.
“They have been poly for years and find that it works well for their family.”
“The community centre hosted a meetup for people who identify as poly to discuss navigating complex relationship dynamics.”
Informal · Slang
Teaching tip
This is a modern social term; it can be used as both a noun for the person and an adjective for the lifestyle.
Synonyms
Antonyms
04polyamorous
adj. describing a person or relationship that involves more than one partner.
adj. relating to polyamory; used as a predicative or attributive adjective in informal registers.
“She is in a poly relationship and is very happy with her partners.”
“Navigating poly dynamics requires a high level of communication and emotional intelligence from everyone involved.”
Informal · Slang
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“The word polymathy itself captures the bricolage of many ( poly ) worlds of knowledge ( mathy ).” “There are also poly people who prefer to live solo , embracing a ‘solo polyamorous’ lifestyle, through which they live alone but engage in multiple, committed relationships.” Etymology
Shortening of various words.
From Latin polium, the name of a plant, perhaps Teucrium polium.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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englishreference.com/q/poly