Problems in composing definitions of terms for polymer chemistry

The particular problems associated with composing definitions of technical terms relating to polymers are outlined, and the way in which they have been tackled by the Commission on Macromolecular Nomenclature of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry is described. The topics surveyed begin with basic terms and continue with linear polymers, branched polymers, and copolymers. The presentation of formulae, the description of stereochemistry, and definitions of terms for individual macromolecules, their assemblies and dilute solutions are included, as well as work on crystalline and liquid-crystalline polymers, and the classification of polymerisation processes.