monomer
Americannoun
noun
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Etymology
Origin of monomer
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Explanation
A monomer is a small molecule. When monomers connect to each other, they form a polymer, a chain of molecules. Imagine a set of beads that snap together, and you'll have a good idea of how monomers interlock. You can think of each monomer (which include fatty acids and amino acids) as a building block for larger molecules. The word monomer contains the Greek roots mono-, "one," and meros, "part."
Vocabulary lists containing monomer
Organic Chemistry
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Biochemistry
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Structure and Properties of Matter - High School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
MMA is a highly reactive chemical, a monomer that can be used to make polymers of hard, durable, lightweight and transparent plastics.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 27, 2026
This may have led to a buildup of heat in a pressurized tank filled with 7,000 gallons of a chemical called methyl methacrylate, a highly flammable liquid monomer used to manufacture plastics.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 26, 2026
To address these limitations, the team designed what they call a fluorescent monomer controlled synthesis strategy.
From Science Daily ● Feb. 13, 2026
In experiments, the team recycled the leftover carbon black and styrene monomer into polystyrene, demonstrating the circularity of the new method.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 25, 2024
Although it is like normal polyethylene, its monomer comes from ethanol instead of fossil fuels like petroleum and natural gas.
From Salon ● Nov. 17, 2023
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
