polymer science definition

Any of various chemical compounds made of smaller, identical molecules (called monomers) linked together. Some polymers, like cellulose, occur naturally, while others, like nylon, are artificial. Polymers have extremely high molecular weights, make up many of the tissues of organisms, and have extremely varied and versatile uses in industry, such as in making plastics, concrete, glass, and rubber.
♦ The process by which molecules are linked together to form polymers is called polymerization (pŏlˌə-lĭmˌər-ĭ-zāˈshən).