The term "organic polymer" refers to a compound that contains long chains of carbon atoms bonded to other chemical elements. There are several synonyms for this phrase that describe the same type of material. One of these is "macromolecule," which highlights the large size of these compounds. "Polymer" on its own can also be used, as this term specifically refers to any compound made up of repeated units. "Plastics" can also be considered a synonym for organic polymers, although this term often refers to synthetic polymers produced from fossil fuels rather than natural sources. Lastly, "biopolymer" is often used to describe organic polymers derived from living organisms.