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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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

monastery, monastic, monasticism, Monastral, monathetosis, monatomic, monaul, monaural, monaural diplacusis, monaxial, monazite

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

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

Medical definitions for monatomic

monatomic

[ mŏn′ə-tŏm′ĭk ]

adj.

Occurring as single atoms.

Having one replaceable atom or radical.

Univalent.

Other words from monatomic

mon′a•tom′ic•al•ly adv.