polymerize

verb

po·​ly·​mer·​ize pə-ˈli-mə-ˌrīz How to pronounce polymerize (audio) ˈpä-lə-mə- How to pronounce polymerize (audio)
polymerized; polymerizing

transitive verb

: to subject to polymerization

intransitive verb

: to undergo polymerization

Examples of polymerize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Alkalization also causes flavonoids to polymerize (link together), which reduces the astringency of the nibs [2]. — Alice Chi Phung, Discover Magazine, 25 Feb. 2014 More recently, his lab figured out how these key proteins rapidly rearrange and polymerize to produce these protrusions. — Megan Molteni, STAT, 15 Nov. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of polymerize was in 1865

Rhymes for polymerize

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polymerize
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Cite this Entry

“Polymerize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polymerize. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

polymerize

verb
po·​ly·​mer·​ize
variants also British polymerise
pə-ˈlim-ə-ˌrīz How to pronounce polymerize (audio) ˈpäl-ə-mə- How to pronounce polymerize (audio)
polymerized also British polymerised; polymerizing also British polymerising

transitive verb

: to subject to polymerization

intransitive verb

: to undergo polymerization
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