| polyconic projection |
a type of map on which the latitudinal lines are represented as the arcs of circles with different centers along the straight central meridian, and the other longitudinal lines are shown as curves. |
| polycyclic |
having more than one fused, ringlike structures, used esp. in reference to organic molecules. |
| polydipsia |
abnormal or excessive thirst. |
| polyester |
a synthetic resin used mainly in plastics and textiles. |
| polyethylene |
a lightweight plastic polymer of ethylene used for packaging, tubing, electrical insulation, and the like. |
| polygala |
milkwort. |
| polygamy |
the practice or state of having more than one spouse, esp. more than one wife, at a time. (Cf. monogamy.) |
| polygenism |
a theory that each human racial group is descended from entirely separate ancestors. (Cf. monogenism.) |
| polyglot |
using or knowing several languages; multilingual. [5 definitions] |
| polygon |
a closed, two-dimensional figure with three or more sides bounded by straight lines. |
| polygraph |
a device that records changes in bodily functions such as respiration rate, heartbeat, and blood pressure, sometimes used during interrogation of suspected criminals; lie detector. |
| polygyny |
the practice or state of having two or more wives at the same time. |
| polyhedron |
a solid, multifaceted figure. |
| polymath |
one who has broad knowledge or expertise in a number of distinct areas. |
| polymer |
a natural or synthetic compound, such as polyethylene or nylon, that is of high molecular weight and is composed of repeated links of simple molecules. |
| polymerase |
any of various enzymes, such as DNA polymerase and RNA polymerase, that catalyze the formation of a polynucleotide strand using an existing strand as a template. |
| polymeric |
of, pertaining to, or combined in a polymer. |
| polymerization |
the act of forming a polymer. [2 definitions] |
| polymerize |
to subject to or undergo the process of forming a polymer. |
| polymerous |
in biology, having many parts. |
| polymorphic |
see "polymorphous." |