monatomic

[mon-uh-tom-ik]

adjective Chemistry.

having one atom in the molecule.
containing one replaceable atom or group.
having a valence of one.

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. 2018

Examples from the Web for monatomic

Historical Examples of 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 molecule of iodine, for example, is monatomic at 1200 C., but becomes diatomic at the ordinary temperature.
The Mechanism of Life
Stphane Leduc
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
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

British Dictionary definitions for monatomic

monatomic

monoatomic (ˌmɒnəʊəˈtɒmɪk)

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

monatomic in Medicine

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.