polyester
UK[ˌpɒl.iˈes.tər]US[ˌpɑː.liˈes.tər]
n
a synthetic material used especially to make clothes, that is made from a type of acid and alcohol
n
a type of cloth or fabric made from polyester fibers
Morpheme Breakdown
poly
ester
poly
many
ester
chemical compound
Etymology
the word 'polyester' is a modern scientific compound formed in the 20th century. the first element, 'poly-', is derived from ancient greek 'polys', meaning 'many', which reflects the polymer structure of the substance—long chains of repeating molecular units. the second element, 'ester', originates from german chemical terminology of the 19th century, denoting a specific class of organic compounds. thus, the term literally and logically describes a 'polymer of ester units,' a synthetic resin formed by the polymerization of esters, which gives the material its durable and versatile properties.
Analysis
Structure: poly (many) + ester (chemical compound)
poly: from greek 'polys', meaning 'much, many'. functions as a combining form indicating multiplicity.
ester: from german 'essigäther' (vinegar ether), a term in chemistry for a compound formed from an acid and an alcohol. functions as the core root specifying the chemical nature.
Examples
this shirt is made from a cotton and polyester blend.
polyester fabrics are known for their resistance to wrinkling and shrinking.
the manufacturing process for polyester involves creating long, synthetic fibers.