monatomic

[ mon-uh-tom-ik ]

/ ˌmɒn əˈtɒm ɪk /

adjective Chemistry.

having one atom in the molecule.

containing one replaceable atom or group.

having a valence of one.

Nearby words

Also monoatomic.

Origin of monatomic

First recorded in 1840–50; mon- + atomic

Related formsmon·a·tom·i·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for monatomic

If this should prove to be the case, it will favour the view that chlorine itself is molecular and not monatomic.
Fragments of science, V. 1-2|John Tyndall
The cadmium molecule, as shown by determinations of the density of its vapour, is monatomic.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 4|Various
All of them are believed to be monatomic—that is to say, each of their molecules is composed of a single atom.
A History of Science, Volume 5(of 5)|Henry Smith Williams
This information does not inform, since there is a vast number of monatomic alcohols and of every description.
The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 1 of 2|Various

Its ratio of specific heats has very nearly the ideal value 1.666, appropriate to a monatomic molecule.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 2|Various

British Dictionary definitions for monatomic

monatomic

monoatomic (ˌmɒnəʊəˈtɒmɪk)

/ (ˌmɒnəˈtɒmɪk) /

adjective chem

(of an element) having or consisting of single atomsargon is a monatomic gas

(of a compound or molecule) having only one atom or group that can be replaced in a chemical reaction

a less common word for monovalent

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for monatomic

monatomic

[ mŏn′ə-tŏm′ĭk ]

adj.

Occurring as single atoms.

Having one replaceable atom or radical.

Univalent.

Related formsmon′a•tom′ic•al•ly adv.