poly

Poly is a term with several distinct meanings across language, science, and industry. As a prefix derived from the Greek polys meaning many or much, poly- attaches to a base to form words such as polymer (a substance composed of many repeating units), polygon (a plane figure with many angles), and polydactyly (having many fingers or toes).

Outside of its use as a prefix, Poly refers to a name or brand. It is used as a nickname or given name in some cultures, and in modern English it is sometimes shorthand for polyamory, meaning multiple simultaneous intimate relationships, or for polytheism in religious contexts.

In technology and branding, Poly is the name of a company known for audio and video communications equipment, including headsets, conferencing devices, and related services. The brand traces back to Plantronics and Polycom, and has been used to market collaboration products to businesses and consumers.

In science, "poly" appears in many terms beyond polymers, including polypeptides and polysaccharides, which are polymers of amino acids and sugars respectively. The prefix indicates repeated units and large-scale structures in chemistry and materials science.

See also: poly-, polymer, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyamory, polytheism, polygon, polynomials.