Origin: Greek prefix poly-
Polymerase has 2 different meanings across 1 category:
an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of new DNA and RNA from an existing strand of DNA or RNA
"The researcher added polymerase to the test tube to help synthesize a new copy of the viral genetic material."
Any of various enzymes that catalyze the formation of polymers of DNA or RNA using an existing strand of RNA or DNA respectively as a template.
"The scientist added polymerase to the test tube to help build new strands of DNA from the available templates."