polymer

/'pɔlimə/

Thân thiện

A scientist holds up a clear plastic model of a polymer chain.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large molecule composed of many repeated subunits: A polymer is a substance, either natural or synthetic, whose structure is characterized by a chain of repeating smaller chemical units called monomers.

Usage

• General Use: The term "polymer" is used in scientific contexts, particularly chemistry and materials science, to describe a broad class of materials.
• Key Concept: The defining feature of a polymer is its long-chain molecular structure formed by linking together many identical or similar small molecules (monomers).

Examples

• Noun:
  • Plastic is a common synthetic polymer.
  • DNA is a natural polymer essential for life.
  • The scientist studied the properties of the new polymer.

Advanced Usage

• "Polymer chemistry": The branch of chemistry dedicated to the synthesis and study of polymers.
  • She specialized in polymer chemistry.
• "Polymer chain": Refers to the long, repeating sequence of monomers that forms the backbone of a polymer molecule.
  • The strength of the material depends on the length of the polymer chain.

Variants and Related Words

• Polymeric (adj): Of or relating to polymers.
  • The material exhibited polymeric properties.
• Polymerize (v): To undergo or cause to undergo a chemical reaction in which monomers combine to form a polymer.
  • These monomers will polymerize under heat.
• Monomer (n): A small molecule that can bind chemically to other monomers to form a polymer.
  • Ethylene is the monomer for polyethylene.

Synonyms

• Macromolecule: A very large molecule, such as a polymer.
• Resin (in some contexts, especially synthetic polymers): A solid or highly viscous substance.

Related Phrases

• "Polymer blend": A mixture of two or more polymers.
  • The new tire compound uses a special polymer blend for better grip.
• "Conductive polymer": A polymer that conducts electricity.
  • Research into conductive polymers is important for flexible electronics.

Học thuật

Noun

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