Poly- is used to form adjectives and nouns which indicate that many things or types of something are involved in something.For example, a polysyllabic word contains many syllables.
He portrays the psyche as polycentric.
...polyclinics that integrate primary and secondary health care.
poly in British English
(ˈpɒlɪ)
noun
1. Word forms: pluralpolys informal short for polytechnic
2.
informal short for polyester
3.
a. informal short for polythene
b.
(as modifier)
poly bags
poly- in British English
combining form
1.
more than one; many or much
polyhedron
2.
having an excessive or abnormal number or amount
polycythaemia
Word origin
from Greek polus much, many; related to Old English fela many
poly in American English
(ˈpɑli)
noun
Informal
polyester
poly- in American English
(ˈpɑlɪ; ˈpɑlə; ˈpɑli)
1.
much, many, more than one
polychromatic
2.
more than usual, excessive
polyphagia
3.
in or of many kinds or parts
polymorph
4.
polymer of; polymerized
polyvinyl
Word origin
ModL < Gr poly- < polys, much, many < IE *pelu, large amount < base *pel-, to pour, fill > full1
Examples of 'poly' in a sentence
poly
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content.Read more…
`Used to be the poly ," she grumbled when Stain-ton told her where they were to go.
Murray, Stephen DEATH AND TRANSFIGURATION (2003)
The two detectives stepped away as Tim approached, straightening their poly wool suits.
Gregg Hurwitz THE KILL CLAUSE (2003)
All related terms of 'poly'
poly bag
a polythene bag , esp one used to store or protect food or household articles
poly-drug
involving or taking more than one kind of illegal drug
poly I:C
a synthetic RNA that promotes the production of interferon in the body