monomer
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- noun
- /ˈmɒnəˌmɜr/
- Specialized
:
monómero
- The amount of monomers of glycol chitin released and the enzyme unit in each treatment is given in Table 3.
- norbornene monomers
- monomers and polymers
Examples
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For the gazillionth time, BPA is a monomer used to make plastics, such as polycarbonate.
Blog text (5) -
Actin at the leading edge of a motile cell forms a branched network that is constantly growing via both the addition of monomers and the catalyzed formation of new branches.
Academic text (2012) -
But the reactive species were a monomer, a single B unit, right?
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Yes, but they contained traces of monomers.
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There is currently little evidence that the anti-inflammatory action of GR comes mostly from the monomer form.
Academic text (2017) -
Now starch, we know, is composed of monomers of glucose.
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Then the monomers start reacting with each other, joining to form long polymer chains.
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By incorporating different types of monomers in the same chain, one can tune the interchain friction and the dissipative processes in the material.
Academic text (1999) -
So, seeking to build on the strengths of nylon, Kwolek began a lengthy process of trial and error, combining various monomers in novel ways.
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Zapping the solution with electricity causes the monomers to link together and form a long chain called a polymer.
How Many Parts
Surface Forms
Morphology
monomer = mono + mer
The prefix mono- clearly contributes the meaning 'one,' but -mer is a bound scientific combining form rather than a familiar standalone English word, so the full meaning is only partly recoverable.
Etymology
Monomer is made of mono- meaning 'one' and -mer meaning 'part'. Think of a monomer as a single 'building block' that joins with others to make a polymer, so the word means a small molecule that links to form a larger chain.