verb
- breaks down a polymer into smaller molecules or monomers
Usage: chemistry; third person singular present tense
Examples
- Heat depolymerizes the plastic into its basic components.
- The enzyme depolymerizes cellulose into glucose molecules.
- Acid depolymerizes the polymer chain rapidly.
- UV radiation depolymerizes certain synthetic materials.
- The chemical process depolymerizes the long-chain molecules.
- High temperature depolymerizes the compound effectively.