monomial
Americanadjective
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Algebra.
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consisting of one term only.
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(of a matrix) having exactly one non-zero term in each row and each column.
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Biology. noting or pertaining to a name that consists of a single word or term.
noun
noun
adjective
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consisting of a single algebraic term
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biology of, relating to, or denoting a taxonomic name that consists of a single term
Etymology
Origin of monomial
First recorded in 1700–10; mon- + (bin)omial
Explanation
In math, a monomial consists of just one term that's made up of whole numbers. The number 12 is a monomial, and so is the term 5x². Polynomials, which are algebraic expressions that look like this: x6 + 4x3 + 3x2 − 7, are composed of a string of monomials (four, in this case). Each individual term is a monomial, as long as it doesn't contain a negative exponent or a fraction. Monomial actually comes from polynomial, coined by swapping out the prefix poly-, or "many," for mono-, "one."
Vocabulary lists containing monomial
mon, mono (one)
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Florida's B.E.S.T. Roots: mono
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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.
At the tail end of a long studio session in preparation for her first full-length album, the L.A.-based artist known by her monomial Yendry is reminiscing on Zoom.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 7, 2023
The monomial 8ab2 has two variables a and b.
From Textbooks ● May 6, 2020
Some examples of monomial in one variable are.
From Textbooks ● May 6, 2020
We use the form on the left to add fractions and we use the form on the right to divide a polynomial by a monomial.
From Textbooks ● Apr. 22, 2020
A monomial in algebra is a quantity which consists of a single term.
From Orthography As Outlined in the State Course of Study for Illinois by Elmer W. Cavins
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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.
