Definition of: polymerization

(pə·lim′ər·ə·zā′shən, pol′·i·mər·ə-) noun Chem.
The process of changing the molecular arrangement of a compound so as to form new compounds having the same percentage composition as the original, but of different (usually greater) molecular weight and different properties. The method may be linear, by the successive addition of small structural units to form a chain; cyclic, by the formation of rings; or cross-linked, by a three-dimensional fusion of either linear or cyclic elements.