A new series of rigid polyesters and semiflexible polyethers were synthesized from 4,4"-dihydroxy-5'-phenyl or anthracenyl-m-terphenyl. The polymers were characterized by viscometry, Fourier transform infrared, NMR, X-ray, differential scanning calorimetry, thermomechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, ultraviolet-visible, and luminescence spectroscopy. The polyesters were amorphous, whereas some of the polyethers showed a low degree of crystallinity. All the polymers displayed an enhanced solubility even in 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane and tetrahydrofuran. The glass-transition temperatures were 123-146 degrees C for the polyesters and 45-117 degrees C for the polyethers. The polymers were stable up to 213-340 degrees C and afforded anaerobic char yields of 36-62% at 800 degrees C. Their optical properties were investigated both in solution and in the solid state. They showed ultraviolet fluorescence, violet-blue fluorescence, or both with emission maxima at 333-487 nm. The polymers with anthracenyl pendent groups exhibited higher fluorescence quantum yields and emission maxima redshifted compared with the corresponding polymers with phenyl pendent groups.