polymaterial
|po-ly-ma-te-ri-al|
🇺🇸
/ˌpɑː.li.məˈtɪr.i.əl/
🇬🇧
/ˌpɒl.i.məˈtɪə.ri.əl/
made of many materials
Etymology
'polymaterial' originates from a combination of Greek and Latin roots: Greek 'polýs' (many) used as the combining form 'poly-' and Latin 'materialis' (from 'materia') meaning 'matter' or 'substance'.
'poly-' (from Greek 'polýs') entered English as a productive combining form; 'material' came into English via Latin 'materialis' and Old French 'material'. The modern compound 'polymaterial' is a technical coinage formed by combining these elements in modern English.
Initially the components meant 'many' and 'matter/substance' separately; together in modern usage they produce the meaning 'made of many materials' or 'using multiple materials'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an object or material that is made from two or more different materials (a polymaterial item).
The research team tested several polymaterials to find the best thermal performance.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
composed of, made from, or incorporating two or more different materials; describing an object or material that uses multiple constituent materials.
The engineer designed a polymaterial panel for the spacecraft to combine strength and low weight.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/10 00:29