monomers
|mon-o-mer-s|
🇺🇸
/ˈmɑnəmɚ/
🇬🇧
/ˈmɒnəmə/
(monomer)
single unit that can join to form larger chains
Etymology
'monomer' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'monos' and 'meros', where 'monos' meant 'single' and 'meros' meant 'part'.
'monomer' was coined as a modern scientific term by combining the Greek elements 'mono-' and '-mer' (from 'meros') and entered English usage in chemistry and polymer science in the late 19th to early 20th century.
Initially, it meant 'single part', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a molecule that can chemically join with others to form a polymer'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a relatively small molecule that can chemically bind to other molecules of the same kind to form a polymer (a long chain or network of repeating units).
Monomers can join through chemical reactions to form polymers used in plastics and resins.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/28 05:49