A compound of the same elements in the same proportion by weight, but of different molecular weights.
Compound made up of a large long-chain or branching matrix composed of many repeated simple units (monomers). There are many polymers, both natural (cellulose, chitin, lignin) and synthetic (polyethylene and nylon, types of plastic). Synthetic polymers belong to two groups: thermosoftening and thermosetting (see plastic).
The size of the polymer matrix is determined by the amount of monomer used; it therefore does not form a molecule of constant molecular size or mass.
Naturally occurring or synthetic; consisting of large molecules made up of a linked series of repeated simple monomers.