novolacEtymologyFrom Latin novus (“new”) + Swedish lack (“lacquer”), because these materials were envisioned to replace natural lacquers such as copal resin.novolac means any of several polymers derived from phenols and formaldehyde with low molecular weight and related to Bakelite but less highly cross-linked. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 82 out of 100.nounAny of several polymers derived from phenols and formaldehyde with low molecular weight and related to Bakelite but less highly cross-linked.