Definition of "poly"

poly¹

/ˈpɒli/

noun
plural polys
1. Polytechnic.
2. Polyethylene (polythene).
3. Polyurethane.
4. (chiefly computer graphics) Polygon.
  Quotations
  The most common poly budget in use for games at the time of this writing is between 5,000 and 10,000 tris.
  2009, Andrew Paquette, Computer Graphics for Artists II: Environments and Characters
5. (uncountable) Polyester.
6. (chiefly informal) Polyamory.
7. (chiefly informal) A polyamorous person.
adjective
not comparable
1. (chiefly informal) Polyamorous.
  Quotations
  Whether the family is poly, L.G.B.T.Q. or another minority, such as a religious one, coming out is very much a personal decision.
  2020 August 4, Cynthia McKelvey, “The Challenges of Polyamorous Parenting”, in The New York Times‎
verb
third-person singular simple present polys, present participle polying, simple past and past participle polyed
1. (transitive, intransitive, video games, roguelikes) To polymorph; to transform by magic.

/ˈpəʊli/