What does monomer mean?
A monomer is a molecule or molecular unit that can connect chemically with other molecules to create a larger structure. This connection is especially important in polymer formation: many monomers are small, relatively simple molecules that join through covalent bonds in repeating arrangements, producing substances such as plastics, synthetic fibres, resins, and biological polymers such as proteins and DNA. The word also applies outside polymer chemistry when a unit is destined to become part of a larger molecular assembly. In technical writing, a monomer is normally distinguished from a polymer by its role rather than simply by size: the monomer is the starting building block, while the polymer is the assembled product. Monomers may all be of the same kind, as in polyethylene, or may differ from one another, as in copolymers. Terms such as “free monomer” and “monomer concentration” commonly describe unbound starting material and the amount present in a reaction system.
nounA molecule or molecular unit capable of joining with other molecules or units to form a larger structure, especially a polymer. Monomers may be chemically identical or different from one another.
- A molecule or molecular unit that can undergo chemical reaction with other molecules or units to form a larger structure, especially a polymer.
"Each monomer becomes covalently linked to neighboring molecules as the polymer grows."
"The researchers measured the concentration of unreacted monomer in the finished polymer."
"This multifunctional monomer can connect to several neighboring chains and create a cross-linked network."
The standard plural is used when referring to multiple molecular building blocks, their respective types, or the amounts of each present in a reaction.
"The two monomers react under high pressure to form the polymer."
A monomer is to a polymer roughly what an individual word is to a sentence: a small unit made meaningful through connection.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does monomer come from?
The word was formed in the early 20th century in chemical nomenclature by combining the Greek prefix mono-, meaning “single” or “one,” with the combining form -mer, derived from Greek meros, meaning “part.” In this terminology, a monomer is a single molecular unit, while a polymer consists of many repeating parts. The element mono- also underlies numerous English words taken from Greek, including monad, monocyte, monograph, and monopoly.
Related word forms
How monomer is actually used
Chiefly a technical term in chemistry, biochemistry, and materials science. It normally describes a relatively small molecular building block rather than a segment of an already formed polymer.
Easily confused with monomer
A monomer is a molecule capable of joining others to form a larger structure, whereas a polymer is the resulting chain or network of repeating units.