Definitions
01chemical structure
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical
n. a very large molecule made of many small, repeating units joined together.
n. A macromolecule composed of many repeating subunits, known as monomers, which are chemically bonded in a chain or network.
“DNA is a natural polymer that carries all the genetic information for living things.”
“The scientist explained how the individual monomers link together during polymerization to create a stable, long-chain polymer.”
Usage
Often used as a countable noun when referring to specific types of molecules.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02synthetic material
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical
n. a material made from these molecules, such as plastic or rubber.
n. A synthetic or natural material consisting of polymer molecules, valued for its durability and flexibility.
“This new polymer is much stronger and lighter than the plastic we used before.”
“Engineers are developing a biodegradable polymer to replace traditional plastics in food packaging and reduce environmental waste.”
Usage
Can be used as an uncountable noun when referring to the substance in general.
Real-World Examples
“Changing the carbon source used during bacterial fermentation—essentially, what bacteria are fed—can significantly influence the properties of the sugar polymers they produce, known as bacterial exopolysaccharides (EPSs).” “When many such chains are densely packed, they form what physicists call a polymer melt.” Etymology
From poly- + -mer, from Ancient Greek πολύς (polús, “many”) + μέρος (méros, “part”). Coined by Jöns Jacob Berzelius in 1833, though his definition was quite different from the modern one.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0