-mer

¹ American  

Chemistry.

1. a combining form meaning “member of a particular group”.

   isomer.

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mer. ² American  

abbreviation

1. meridian.

2. meridional.

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-mer ¹ British  

suffix

1. chem denoting a substance of a particular class

   monomer

   polymer

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mer. ² British  

abbreviation

1. meridian

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Usage

What does -mer mean? The combining form -mer is used like a suffix to mean “part,” specifically in reference to portions of molecules. It is often used in scientific terms, especially in chemistry.The form -mer comes from Greek méros, meaning “part, portion.” From this same source, we also get the combining forms -mere and -merous.Want to know more? Check out our Words That Use entries for both forms.

Etymology

Origin of -mer

From the Greek word méros part, portion

Example Sentences

Estee Lauder reported fiscal 2025 sales of $14.3 billion, with analysts polled by FactSet expecting fiscal 2026 sales of $15 billion for the company, which in addition to the eponymous brand also owns beauty mainstays such as La Mer, Clinique and MAC.

From MarketWatch

La Mer claims the secret powers of its bestselling products are unlocked in a lab where chemists brew–and DJ for–the ‘Miracle Broth.’

From The Wall Street Journal

The maker of the brew, La Mer, calls it the “Miracle Broth,” the key ingredient in one of the most coveted products in the beauty industry.

From The Wall Street Journal

A two-ounce jar of Crème de la Mer face cream costs $390 and people can’t get enough.

From The Wall Street Journal

The lore of La Mer goes back to its founding scientist, Max Huber.

From The Wall Street Journal