poly

1
[ pol-ee ]
/ ˈpɒl i /

noun, plural pol·ies.

Informal. polyester(def 2): a blend of poly and cotton.
a fabric or garment made of polyester.

adjective

made of or containing polyester: a poly swimsuit.

Origin of poly

1
by shortening

Definition for poly (2 of 4)

poly 2
[ pol-ee ]
/ ˈpɒl i /

adjective Informal.

noting or relating to polyamory; polyamorous: They’re in a poly relationship.
identifying as polyamorous: They’re not monogamous, they’re poly.

Origin of poly

2
First recorded in 1990–95; shortening of polyamorous

Definition for poly (3 of 4)

poly-

a combining form with the meanings “much, many” and, in chemistry, “polymeric,” used in the formation of compound words: polyandrous; polyculture; polyethylene.

Origin of poly-

< Greek, combining form representing polýs; akin to Old English fela many. See plus

Definition for poly (4 of 4)

poly.

Example sentences from the Web for poly

British Dictionary definitions for poly (1 of 2)

poly
/ (ˈpɒlɪ) /

noun plural polys

informal short for polytechnic

adjective

informal short for polyester
informal short for polythene

British Dictionary definitions for poly (2 of 2)

poly-

combining form

more than one; many or much polyhedron
having an excessive or abnormal number or amount polycythaemia

Word Origin for poly-

from Greek polus much, many; related to Old English fela many

Medical definitions for poly

poly-

pref.

More than one; many; much:polyatomic.
More than usual; excessive; abnormal:polydipsia.
Polymer; polymeric:polyethylene.

Scientific definitions for poly

poly-

A prefix meaning “many,” as in polygon, a figure having many sides. In chemistry, it is used to form the names of polymers by being attached to the name of the base unit of which the polymer is made, as in polysaccharide, a polymer made of repeating simple sugars (monosaccharides).