The word "polymer" refers to a large molecule that is made up of smaller units called monomers. The spelling of this word is derived from its Greek roots, where "poly" means "many" and "meros" means "parts." The IPA phonetic transcription for "polymer" is /ˈpɒl.ɪ.mər/, with the stress on the first syllable. The use of the letter "y" in the spelling of "polymer" is derived from the Latin word "polymĕrus," which was used to describe a natural substance that had many parts.
A polymer is a large molecule composed of repeating subunits called monomers, which are linked together through chemical bonds to form a long chain-like structure. These monomers can be of the same type or different types, which allows for the creation of various polymers with unique properties and characteristics. The process of combining these monomers to form a polymer is called polymerization.
Polymers can be found in a wide range of natural and synthetic materials, and they are essential components of everyday items such as plastics, fibers, and rubber. Natural polymers include substances like DNA, proteins, and cellulose, while synthetic polymers are manufactured through industrial processes.
The properties of polymers can be modified by altering the arrangement and composition of monomers, as well as the conditions under which they are polymerized. For example, by using different monomers or adjusting the polymerization process, polymers can be made to be rigid and strong or flexible and elastic.
One key characteristic of polymers is their macromolecular structure, which allows them to have higher molecular weights compared to small molecules. This gives polymers their unique physical properties, such as high strength and resistance to heat and chemicals.
Overall, polymers are an important class of materials that play a significant role in various industries and applications, ranging from medicine and biotechnology to electronics and packaging.
One of two or more polymeric substances.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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The word "polymer" has its origins in Greek. It is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "poly", meaning "many", and "meros", meaning "part". Thus, the word "polymer" can be translated as "many parts" or "many units". This name accurately reflects the nature of polymers, which are large molecules composed of repeating smaller units known as monomers.