polymer

/'pɔlimə/

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Word: Polymer

Part of Speech: Noun

Basic Definition: A polymer is a large molecule made up of many smaller units called monomers, which are linked together in a chain. Polymers can occur naturally (like rubber or DNA) or can be made by humans (like plastic or nylon).

Usage Instructions:

• When to Use: Use the word "polymer" when discussing materials in chemistry, biology, or manufacturing. It is often used in science and engineering contexts.
• How to Use: You can use "polymer" to describe both natural substances and synthetic (man-made) materials.

Example:

• "Rubber is a natural polymer that comes from rubber trees."
• "Plastic is a synthetic polymer that is used in many products we use every day."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced discussions, you might talk about different types of polymers, such as: - Thermoplastics: Polymers that can be melted and reshaped. - Thermosetting polymers: Polymers that harden permanently after being shaped once.

Word Variants:

• Polymeric (adjective): Relating to or having the characteristics of polymers.
  • Example: "The polymeric material is flexible and strong."

Different Meaning:

While "polymer" primarily refers to a specific chemical structure, it can also be used in broader discussions about materials and their properties in various fields, such as: - Biology: Discussing DNA as a polymer of nucleotides. - Environmental science: Talking about biodegradable polymers that break down in the environment.

Synonyms:

• Macromolecule: A similar term that refers to large molecules, not just polymers.
• Chain molecule: Another way to describe the structure of polymers.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "polymer," but you might encounter phrases in scientific contexts that involve the word. For example: - "Chain reaction" can be used in chemistry to describe a process involving polymers, although it doesn't directly mean the same as "polymer."

Summary:

In summary, a polymer is a large molecule made of many smaller repeating units called monomers. It can be found in nature or made by humans, and it plays an important role in many materials we encounter every day.

Academic

Noun

1. a naturally occurring or synthetic compound consisting of large molecules made up of a linked series of repeated simple monomers