copolymerize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “copolymerize” mean?
To combine two or more different monomers into a single polymer chain, forming a copolymer.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To combine two or more different monomers into a single polymer chain, forming a copolymer.
The process by which two or more distinct monomer units chemically bond together in a polymerization reaction, resulting in a polymer with a mixed composition that can exhibit properties different from those of homopolymers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English may occasionally use 'copolymerise' (with 's'), though '-ize' is also standard. No significant difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
None; purely technical term.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both varieties. No significant frequency difference.
Grammar
How to Use “copolymerize” in a Sentence
[Monomers] + copolymerize + (with [other monomers])[Monomers] + copolymerize + to form + [copolymer]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “copolymerize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team will copolymerise styrene with butadiene to create a new elastomer.
- These monomers can copolymerise under UV light.
American English
- The researchers copolymerized acrylate monomers to form the hydrogel.
- The two compounds did not copolymerize effectively under those conditions.
adjective
British English
- The copolymerised material showed improved flexibility.
- They studied the copolymerising behaviour of the system.
American English
- The copolymerized product was analyzed using NMR.
- We observed a copolymerizing mixture.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in reports from chemical, pharmaceutical, or advanced materials sectors.
Academic
Common in chemistry, polymer science, and materials engineering textbooks and research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in polymer chemistry and industrial polymer synthesis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “copolymerize”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “copolymerize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “copolymerize”
- Misspelling as 'copolymerise' (BrE variant, not a mistake) or 'co-polymerize' (hyphen often omitted). Using it intransitively where a transitive verb is needed (e.g., 'The scientist copolymerized' is incomplete).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Polymerize' means to form a polymer from monomer units, which can be all the same (homopolymerize). 'Copolymerize' specifically means to form a polymer from two or more *different* types of monomers.
The main product is a 'copolymer', a polymer whose chain is composed of two or more different kinds of monomer units.
It is crucial in the plastics, synthetic rubber, adhesive, coating, and advanced materials industries, where tailoring polymer properties is essential.
No, the verb form is 'copolymerize'. The noun for the process is 'copolymerization', and the noun for the product is 'copolymer'.
To combine two or more different monomers into a single polymer chain, forming a copolymer.
Copolymerize is usually technical/scientific in register.
Copolymerize: in British English it is pronounced /kəʊˈpɒlɪməraɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /koʊˈpɑːlɪməraɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CO' (together) + 'POLYMER' (long chain molecule) + 'IZE' (to make). It's the process of making a polymer chain from different components together.
Practice
Quiz
What does it mean to 'copolymerize' two substances?