How Do You Spell POLYMERIZES?

Pronunciation: [pˌɒlɪməɹˈa͡ɪzɪz] (IPA)

Polymerizes is a multi-syllabic word that has four syllables. The first syllable is pronounced as "pol", followed by the second syllable "i". The third syllable is "mer", while the fourth syllable is "izes". The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈpɑləməˌraɪzɪz/. The word comes from the root word "polymer," which refers to a substance that is made up of many small molecules that are chemically linked together. The suffix "-izes" is added to denote the process of forming a polymer.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
Basic Check Advanced Check

POLYMERIZES Meaning and Definition

  1. Polymerizes is a verb derived from the noun "polymer," which refers to a large molecule made up of repeating subunits called monomers. Polymerization is a chemical process in which these monomers are joined together to form a polymer chain or network. When a substance polymerizes, it undergoes this process of combining monomers into a polymer structure.

    Polymerization can occur through various mechanisms, such as addition polymerization and condensation polymerization. In addition polymerization, monomers that contain unsaturated bonds, such as ethylene or vinyl chloride, are activated by an initiator, which initiates a chain reaction resulting in the formation of a polymer. Condensation polymerization, on the other hand, involves the elimination of small molecules, such as water or alcohol, during the formation of the polymer.

    When a substance polymerizes, its chemical properties often change. For example, a liquid monomer may turn into a solid polymer after the polymerization process. This transformation can lead to the creation of new materials with different physical and chemical characteristics, including enhanced strength, stability, or elasticity.

    Polymerization is a fundamental process in various industries, including plastics, rubber, adhesives, coatings, and fibers. Understanding how a substance polymerizes is essential for designing and producing specific polymers with desired properties, as well as for controlling the synthesis, structure, and behavior of polymers in various applications.

Etymology of POLYMERIZES

The word "polymerizes" is derived from the noun "polymer", which refers to a substance composed of large molecules made up of repeating subunits. The noun "polymer" is a blend of the Greek prefix "poly", meaning "many", and the Greek noun "meros", meaning "part". The suffix "ize" is added to form the verb "polymerize", indicating the process of converting monomers (smaller molecular units) into polymers. The term "polymerize" was first used in scientific literature in the early 20th century to describe this chemical process.