Definition

Noun: A monomer is a relatively small and simple molecule that can chemically bond with other identical or similar molecules to form a larger, more complex chain or network called a polymer.

Usage

A monomer is the fundamental repeating unit of a polymer. In chemistry and materials science, monomers are the building blocks. The process of monomers linking together is called polymerization. - Ethylene is the monomer used to produce the common plastic polyethylene. - Amino acids are the monomers that join to form proteins.

Advanced Usage

• In Biochemistry: Monomers are crucial for understanding biological macromolecules. For example, nucleotides are the monomers of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), and monosaccharides (like glucose) are the monomers of carbohydrates.
  • The monomer of cellulose is the sugar molecule glucose.

Variants and Related Words

• Polymer (n): The large molecule formed when many monomers bond together.
  • Polyethylene is a polymer made from ethylene monomers.
• Polymerization (n): The chemical process that links monomers together to form a polymer.
  • The polymerization reaction requires a catalyst.

Synonyms

• Building block: A fundamental unit from which something is constructed.
• Subunit: A distinct component that combines with others to form a complete structure.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Copolymer: A polymer derived from more than one species of monomer.
  • Styrene-butadiene rubber is a common copolymer.
• Dimer: A molecule or compound formed by the combination of two identical simpler molecules (two monomers).
  • A dimer is an intermediate step between a monomer and a polymer.

Noun

1. a simple compound whose molecules can join together to form polymers