A prefix meaning many, much, or multiple, used in compound words; also informal for polyester or polytechnic.
From Greek polys meaning 'many' or 'much.' This productive prefix has generated hundreds of English words from 'polygon' to 'polymer,' maintaining its original meaning across scientific, mathematical, and everyday vocabulary.
The prefix 'poly-' is remarkably stable across time and disciplines - from ancient Greek 'polis' (city of many people) to modern 'polymath' (person of many learnings), it has retained its essential meaning while enabling precise technical vocabulary in everything from chemistry to relationships.
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