-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

"She absolutely paved the way for women to feel empowered in the bedroom and the boardroom and really brought female sexuality into the mainstream," says Lucy Litwack, chief executive of Coco de Mer, another British sex toy and lingerie retailer, that followed in Ann Summers' wake.

From BBC

“I guess I think of this as the intersection of the hip neighborhoods in Arlington,” said Mer Kammerling, 24, wrangling a floral tiara onto Bear, a flat-coated retriever.

From Washington Post

The maritime prefecture of Manche and mer du Nord told the BBC the two French vessels, police boat Athos and patroller Themis, were not on military missions.

From BBC

The maritime prefecture of Manche and mer du Nord told the BBC the two French patrol vessels were on a public service mission to ensure safety.

From BBC

Instead, we hear “La Mer,” the French-language jazz standard with a similar melody, by Charles Trenet.

From New York Times