dimer

American  

[dahy-mer] / ˈdaɪ mər /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a molecule composed of two identical, simpler molecules.

2. a polymer derived from two identical monomers.

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dimer British  

/ ˈdaɪmə /

noun

1. chem

   1. a molecule composed of two identical simpler molecules (monomers)

   2. a compound consisting of dimers

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dimer Scientific  

/ dī′mər /

1. Any of various chemical compounds made of two smaller identical or similar molecules (called monomers) that are linked together. Dimers are linked by hydrogen bonds, coordinate bonds, or covalent bonds. Sucrose is a dimer composed of the monomers glucose and fructose.

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Other Word Forms

• dimeric adjective

Etymology

Origin of dimer

First recorded in 1905–10; di- ¹ + -mer

Example Sentences

By identifying a single, well-defined structure for the key anionic dimer H3PO4·H2PO4-, scientists now have a better understanding of how protons move through these systems.

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

Both versions of the verticillin molecule are built from two identical halves that must be connected into a structure called a dimer.

From Science Daily • Dec. 22, 2025

Draw a dimer of acetic acid, showing how two CH3COOH molecules are held together, and stating the type of IMF that is responsible.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

Peaper, D. R., Wearsch, P. A. & Cresswell, P. Tapasin and ERp57 form a stable disulfide-linked dimer within the MHC class I peptide-loading complex.

From Nature • Nov. 5, 2017

If the dimer is not removed and repaired it will lead to a mutation.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013