polymerization
/ˌpɒl.ɪ.mə.raɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ IELTSAcademic
noun
Polymerization is the process of joining many small molecules together to make a large molecule called a polymer. It is often used in chemistry and industry.
- Polymerization turns small molecules into long chains.
- The factory uses polymerization to make plastics.
- This reaction happens during polymerization.
Adinary Nuance
Polymerization is a chemistry term for the process itself. It is more specific than 'reaction' and more technical than 'forming'. Writers choose it when they want to name the exact process of making polymers. It is not the same as 'solidification' or 'mixing'.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Trùng hợp
- Spanish
- Polimerización
- Chinese
- 聚合
- Japanese
- 重合
- Korean
- 중합
Etymology
Polymerization comes from polymer, which came from Greek poly- meaning 'many' and meros meaning 'part'. The English word was formed in modern scientific chemistry in the 19th century.
Common phrases
polymerization reactionchain polymerizationpolymerization process
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is polymerization a common everyday word?
- No. It is mainly used in chemistry, science classes, and industry.
- How is polymerization different from polymer?
- Polymerization is the process. A polymer is the finished large molecule.
- Is polymerization formal?
- Yes. It is a technical academic and scientific word.
- Can I use polymerization in an IELTS answer?
- Yes, if you are talking about chemistry, materials, or manufacturing.