What is "polyvinyl alcohol"

n. (context chemistry English) A water-soluble synthetic polymer prepared by partial or complete hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate to remove acetate groups, having many uses, including as an adhesive and surfactant and in freshwater angling. Abbreviations: '''PVA''', '''PVAL''', '''PVOH'''

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH, PVA, or PVAl) is a water- soluble synthetic polymer. It has the idealized formula [CHCH(OH)]. It is used in papermaking, textiles, and a variety of coatings. It is white (colourless) and odorless. It is sometimes supplied as beads or as solutions in water.