polymerization

noun

po·​ly·​mer·​i·​za·​tion pə-ˌli-mə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce polymerization (audio) ˌpä-lə-mə-rə- How to pronounce polymerization (audio)
1
: a chemical reaction in which two or more molecules combine to form larger molecules that contain repeating structural units compare association sense 5
2
: reduplication of parts in an organism

Examples of polymerization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The difference between gel extensions and acrylic nail tips comes down to the polymerization process, ease of removal, and the extension's density, says nail artist and gel extension specialist Brittney Boyce. Olivia Muenter, Allure, 8 Jan. 2024 Eventually, a biotechnology manufacturer agreed to take on the project, using a process known as two-photon polymerization to create the bag out of resin. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 June 2023 The gentle, but efficient formula removes food particles and stuck on grease without stripping away the polymerization on your grill or cast iron kitchen appliances. Kaitlyn McInnis, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2023 This process is called polymerization. Julie Harans, Bon Appétit, 19 Jan. 2023 Without any of the enzymes that biochemistry provides, the production of peptides is an inefficient two-step process that involves first making amino acids and then removing water as the amino acids link up into chains in a process called polymerization. Quanta Magazine, 8 Mar. 2022 Typically this involves a reaction known as polymerization, in which smaller molecules known as monomers react together to create long chains known as polymers. IEEE Spectrum, 7 Mar. 2023 To get around this, Livingston and his colleagues turned to an industrial approach for making ultrathin water desalination membranes called interfacial polymerization. Byrobert F. Service, science.org, 30 Sep. 2022 Note: All gel nail polishes use methacrylate polymerization technology to obtain the long lasting, chip resistant coating. Danusia Wnek, Good Housekeeping, 22 Sep. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polymerization.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of polymerization was in 1870

Dictionary Entries Near polymerization

Cite this Entry

“Polymerization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polymerization. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

polymerization

noun
po·​ly·​mer·​i·​za·​tion pə-ˌlim-ə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce polymerization (audio) ˌpäl-ə-mə-rə- How to pronounce polymerization (audio)
: a chemical reaction in which two or more small molecules combine to form larger molecules
polymerize
pə-ˈlim-ə-ˌrīz
ˈpäl-ə-mə-
verb

Medical Definition

polymerization

noun
po·​ly·​mer·​iza·​tion
variants also British polymerisation
1
: a chemical reaction in which two or more small molecules combine to form larger molecules that contain repeating structural units of the original molecules compare association sense 4
2
: reduplication of parts in an organism

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