polymer

Definition

The name given to a family of chemical compounds with a high molecular weight that have a long chain of smaller, identical linked molecules (called monomers). Cellulose is a naturally occurring polymer, although there are many manmade polymers such as nylon. Polymers are especially valued by many industries where they are the essential ingredient of plastics, concrete, glass and rubber. The process by which molecules are linked together to form polymers is called polymerisation.