monomer

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.

noun

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

n.1914, from mono- + Greek meros “part” (see merit (n.)). Related: Monomerous. n.

1. The molecular unit that joins with similar units to form a polymer.
2. The protein structural unit of a virion capsid.
3. The subunit of a protein composed of several such units loosely associated with one another.

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.