polycondensation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “polycondensation” mean?
A chemical process where molecules combine by eliminating small molecules like water, forming large polymer chains.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical process where molecules combine by eliminating small molecules like water, forming large polymer chains.
Any step-growth polymerization reaction in which monomers react to form polymers plus a by-product (e.g., water, alcohol).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations.
Frequency
Used with equal frequency in scientific contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “polycondensation” in a Sentence
[Monomer] undergoes polycondensation (with [another monomer]) to form [polymer].The polycondensation of [monomer] yields [polymer] and [by-product].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “polycondensation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The monomers polycondense to form a polyester.
American English
- The reactants polycondensed at elevated temperatures.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The polycondensate resin was collected for testing.
American English
- They studied the polycondensation kinetics.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except in R&D or chemical manufacturing reports.
Academic
Common in polymer chemistry, materials science, and chemical engineering textbooks and papers.
Everyday
Almost never encountered.
Technical
Core term in polymer synthesis and industrial chemistry.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “polycondensation”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “polycondensation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “polycondensation”
- Using it interchangeably with all polymerization types.
- Incorrect spelling: 'polycondensatiation', 'poly-condensation'.
- Mispronouncing stress: /pɒlɪˌkɒnˈdens.../ instead of /...ˌkɒndenˈseɪʃən/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In chemistry, 'condensation' is a general reaction where two molecules join, eliminating a small one. 'Polycondensation' is a specific type where this happens repeatedly to form a polymer.
It varies. Common by-products are water (e.g., in nylon or polyester formation), methanol, or hydrogen chloride.
Polycondensation produces a small-molecule by-product, while polyaddition (like in polyurethane formation) does not; monomers simply add together.
Yes, common examples include nylon, polyester (like PET in plastic bottles), and Bakelite (a phenol-formaldehyde resin).
A chemical process where molecules combine by eliminating small molecules like water, forming large polymer chains.
Polycondensation is usually technical / scientific in register.
Polycondensation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpɒlɪˌkɒndenˈseɪʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpɑːliˌkɑːndenˈseɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: POLY (many) + CONDENSATION (coming together and squeezing out a small molecule, like water condensing) = many molecules condensing into a big chain.
Conceptual Metaphor
LINKING BEADS WHILE DROPPING SMALL BEADS. Each connection (bond) requires dropping a tiny bead (by-product) to link the larger ones.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of polycondensation?