monatomic

[ mon-uh-tom-ik ]

/ ˌmɒn əˈtɒm ɪk /

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adjective Chemistry.

having one atom in the molecule.

containing one replaceable atom or group.

having a valence of one.

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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

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Also monoatomic.

Origin of monatomic

First recorded in 1840–50; mon- + atomic

OTHER WORDS FROM monatomic

mon·a·tom·i·cal·ly, adverb

Words nearby monatomic

Monash, monastery, monastic, monasticism, Monastral, monatomic, monaul, monaural, monaxial, monazite, Mönchengladbach

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use monatomic in a sentence

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

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

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