/peuh lim'euhr euh zay"sheuhn, pol'euh meuhr-/ , n. Chem.
1. the act or process of forming a polymer or polymeric compound.
2. the combination of many like or unlike molecules to form a more complex product of higher molecular weight, with elimination of water, alcohol, or the like (condensation polymerization) , or without such elimination (addition polymerization) .
3. the conversion of one compound into another by such a process.
[ 1875-80; POLYMERIZE + -ATION ]