polymerize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical / Academic / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “polymerize” mean?
to undergo or cause to undergo the chemical reaction in which molecules combine to form a polymer (a large molecule composed of repeating subunits).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to undergo or cause to undergo the chemical reaction in which molecules combine to form a polymer (a large molecule composed of repeating subunits).
In a broader sense, it can metaphorically describe the process of forming a complex, coherent structure from simpler, repeated units. This usage is rare but possible in specialized fields like systems theory.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The primary spelling variants are 'polymerize' (US) and 'polymerise' (UK). The '-ize' ending is also widely accepted in British scientific writing due to Greek etymology.
Connotations
No difference in connotation.
Frequency
The word is equally frequent in scientific contexts in both regions. The spelling choice follows the general regional preference for '-ize' vs. '-ise'.
Grammar
How to Use “polymerize” in a Sentence
[SUBJ: chemical] polymerize[SUBJ: chemist/process] polymerize [OBJ: monomer][SUBJ: monomer] polymerize into [OBJ: polymer][SUBJ: agent] cause [OBJ: monomer] to polymerizeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “polymerize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team used UV light to polymerise the acrylate resin.
- If not stored with an inhibitor, this monomer can polymerise spontaneously.
American English
- The new catalyst can polymerize ethylene at lower temperatures.
- Over time, the liquid will polymerize into a solid gel.
adverb
British English
- The reaction proceeded polymerisingly until completion.
- The monomer was behaving polymerisably.
American English
- The reaction proceeded polymerizingly until completion.
- The monomer was behaving polymerizably.
adjective
British English
- The polymerisable monomer was handled in a glovebox.
- They studied the polymerising mixture under the microscope.
American English
- The polymerizable monomer was handled in a glovebox.
- They studied the polymerizing mixture under the microscope.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in R&D, manufacturing (plastics, resins), and patent discussions within chemical or materials science industries.
Academic
Core term in chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, and chemical engineering textbooks and research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation outside a relevant professional or educational context.
Technical
The primary register. Precisely describes a chemical reaction in labs, industrial processes, and scientific documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “polymerize”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “polymerize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “polymerize”
- Using 'polymerize' as a noun (incorrect: 'the polymerize of styrene'; correct: 'the polymerization of styrene').
- Confusing 'polymerize' (verb, process) with 'polymer' (noun, product).
- Misspelling as 'polimerize' (missing 'y').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost exclusively no. Its use is highly specialized in chemistry, materials science, and biochemistry. Any metaphorical use is very rare and domain-specific.
'Polymerize' is the general term. 'Copolymerize' specifies that two or more different types of monomers are combining to form a copolymer chain.
No. The noun form is 'polymerization' (or 'polymerisation' in UK spelling). Using 'polymerize' as a noun is incorrect.
The direct chemical opposite is 'depolymerize', meaning to break a polymer down into its constituent monomers or smaller units.
to undergo or cause to undergo the chemical reaction in which molecules combine to form a polymer (a large molecule composed of repeating subunits).
Polymerize is usually technical / academic / scientific in register.
Polymerize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɒl.ɪ.mə.raɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /pəˈlɪm.ə.raɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term is strictly technical.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'POLY' (many) + 'MER' (part/unit) + 'IZE' (to make) = 'to make many parts/units link together into one big chain.'
Conceptual Metaphor
CHAIN FORMATION IS POLYMERIZATION (e.g., 'Ideas polymerized into a coherent theory' – an extended, rare metaphorical use).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'polymerize'?