monomer

[ mon-uh-mer ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a molecule of low molecular weight capable of reacting with identical or different molecules of low molecular weight to form a polymer.

monomer

/ ˈmɒnəmə; ˌmɒnəˈmɛrɪk /

noun

1. chem a compound whose molecules can join together to form a polymer

monomer

/ mŏn′ə-mər /

1. A molecule that can combine with others of the same kind to form a polymer. Glucose molecules, for example, are monomers that can combine to form the polymer cellulose. Polymers can also be composed of different kinds of monomers.

Derived Forms

• monomeric, adjective

Other Words From

• mon·o·mer·ic [mon-, uh, -, mer, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of monomer¹

First recorded in 1910–15; mono- + -mer

Example Sentences

Polyolefins are produced by combining small chain links, or monomers, of ethylene or propylene, which are typically obtained from oil and natural gas.

From Los Angeles Times

In this study, the researchers synthesized PSPBs with different molecular weights and added varying amounts of hydrophobic monomers individually and with different alkyl chains through a process known as reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization.

From Science Daily

Instead, the polystyrene breaks down into parts known as monomers, which can then be purified and subsequently reconstituted into virgin polystyrene.

From Science Daily

By circulating a current through the solution containing EDOT, the monomers formed an entangled polymer called PEDOT, which adhered well to the contact lens and fixated the gold components.

From Science Daily

Using depolymerization, the researchers can convert polymers to pure monomers, which are the building blocks of polymers.

From Science Daily