Definition

To break down a large molecule made of many smaller units into those smaller units.

Example

The chemical process can depolymerize the plastic into its original monomers.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever heard about how they depolymerize plastics for recycling?

Yeah, I think it’s a process where they break it down into smaller parts.

Exactly! It helps turn waste into usable materials again.

That’s pretty cool; I didn’t know it could be done so efficiently.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Depolymerize → It is formed from "de-" (meaning to remove or reverse) and "polymer" (from Greek "polus" meaning many and "meros" meaning parts). The word means to reverse the process of polymerization, effectively removing the many parts that make up a polymer.

Memory Tip

Think of 'removing' ('de-') the 'many parts' ('polymer') that make up a substance — that's what depolymerize means.

Visually Confused Words