Polymer
PAH-li-mer
/ˈpɒlɪmər/
A substance that has a molecular structure consisting chiefly or entirely of a large number of similar units bonded together.
Polymers are often synthetic (like plastics) but can also be natural (like DNA or proteins). They are defined by their repetitive structure of smaller units.
The story behind the word. The word 'polymer' was coined in 1833 by the Swedish chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius. He combined the Greek prefix 'poly-', meaning 'many,' with '-mer', from the Greek 'meros,' meaning 'part' or 'unit.' Berzelius used it to describe compounds that had the same empirical formula but different molecular weights, essentially recognizing that some substances were made of many repeating 'parts' of a simpler unit.
Word relationships
- macromolecule: While all polymers are macromolecules, not all macromolecules are polymers (e.g., a very large, non-repeating molecule).
- plastic: Plastic is a type of synthetic polymer, but 'polymer' is a broader term encompassing natural and synthetic materials.
- monomer: A monomer is the single repeating unit that makes up a polymer.
Commonly confused with
- Monomer: A monomer is a single building block; a polymer is the long chain built from many monomers.
Word family
- polymeric (adjective): relating to or consisting of polymers
- polymerize (verb): to undergo or cause to undergo polymerization
- polymerization (noun): the process of forming a polymer
Collocations
- synthetic polymer
- natural polymer
- polymer chain
- polymer science
- polymer chemistry
Example sentences
- "Polyethylene, a common plastic, is a synthetic polymer formed from repeating ethylene units." In materials science, understanding the properties of different polymers is crucial for developing new products.
- "Proteins and nucleic acids are essential biopolymers that play vital roles in biological processes." The human body relies on various natural polymers for its structure and function.
- "The strength-to-weight ratio of advanced polymers makes them ideal for lightweight construction." The development of new polymers has revolutionized industries from packaging to aerospace.
Memory hook
Think of a 'POLY-GON' (many sides) and a 'POLY-MER' (many parts). It's a long chain made of many repeating units. Many parts, long chain.
When not to use
Do not use 'polymer' when referring to a single, small molecule or a mixture of different, unbonded molecules.
Fun facts
- The concept of polymers was initially difficult for chemists to grasp, as they often appeared as sticky, amorphous substances rather than well-defined crystals.
- Natural rubber was one of the first polymers to be extensively studied and utilized, long before synthetic polymers were developed.
Related words
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