polymer

Definition

A polymer is a material made up of repeating units of a single molecule. These repeating units are called monomers. Polymers can be natural, such as DNA and proteins, or synthetic, such as plastic and nylon.

Polymers are often used to make things that are strong and durable. For example, plastic is a polymer that is used to make toys, bottles, and furniture. Nylon is a polymer that is used to make ropes, carpets, and clothing.

Polymers can also be used to make things that are flexible and stretchy. For example, rubber is a polymer that is used to make tires, balloons, and gloves.

How can the word be used?

Polymers are also made synthetically, such as in plastics and rubber.

Different forms of the word

Noun: a substance or material consisting of very large molecules called macromolecules, composed of many repeating structural units.

Adjective: relating to or consisting of polymers.

Etymology

The word "polymer" comes from the Greek words "poly" (many) and "meros" (part). The term was coined in 1833 by the Swedish chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius.

Question

What is a polymer?