Polymer

A polymer is a macromolecule formed by the chemical bonding of a large number (often thousands or more) of repeating smaller units called monomers[2][6][9]. Polymers may occur naturally (e.g., proteins, cellulose, DNA) or can be synthesized (e.g., polyethylene, nylon)[1][9]. They are classified by origin (natural, synthetic, semi-synthetic), structure (linear, branched, cross-linked), method of polymerization (addition, condensation), and thermal behavior (thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers)[1][2][3][7][8]. The diversity of polymer structure gives rise to a wide range of physical properties, making them foundational to materials science, plastics, fibers, rubbers, and biomedicine, but the term itself is generic and not a therapeutic or molecular target[2][6][9].

Other names

Macromoleculeresinplastic (as broad categories)poly- (often used as a prefix in specific polymer names, e.g., polyethylene)