How Do You Spell MONATOMIC?

Pronunciation: [mˌɒnɐtˈɒmɪk] (IPA)

The word "monatomic" is spelled with six letters and pronounced as /mɒnəˈtɒmɪk/. It refers to a chemical element or compound consisting of a single atom. The "mono" prefix means "one" or "single", while the "atomic" root refers to atoms. The word is commonly used in chemistry and physics. The phonetic transcription helps to understand the correct pronunciation of the word, where the "ɒ" sound is pronounced as "o" in "not" and the "ə" sound is pronounced as "uh" in "up".

MONATOMIC Meaning and Definition

  1. Monatomic refers to a substance or particle consisting of a single atom. The term is derived from the Greek words "mono," meaning one, and "atomos," meaning indivisible. It specifically describes elements that naturally exist as individual atoms, rather than as molecules or compounds containing multiple atoms bonded together.

    Monatomic substances are often inert gases found in the far-right column of the periodic table, such as helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), and radon (Rn). These noble gases have full valence electron shells, making them exceptionally stable. Due to their stability, monatomic gases are typically chemically unreactive, meaning they do not readily form compounds with other elements.

    In addition to noble gases, certain metal atoms can also exist in a monatomic state under specific conditions. These are referred to as monatomic metals and include elements like gold (Au) and silver (Ag). Monatomic metals have a single atom in their crystal structure, allowing them to exhibit unique properties such as high reflectivity, electrical conductivity, and malleability.

    The term "monatomic" can also be applied to ions, which are charged particles formed when an atom gains or loses electrons. Monoatomic ions, like sodium (Na+) or chloride (Cl-), consist of a single atom with a positive or negative charge, respectively.

    In summary, the word "monatomic" describes elements, both gases and metals, that naturally exist as individual atoms. These atoms can exhibit distinctive properties and behaviors due to their single-atom structure.

  2. 1. Relating to or containing a single atom. 2. Univalent.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for MONATOMIC

Etymology of MONATOMIC

The word "monatomic" is composed of two parts: "mono-" and "atomic".

The prefix "mono-" is of Greek origin, meaning "one" or "single". It is commonly used in scientific and technical terms to denote singularity or uniqueness.

The term "atomic" originates from the Greek word "atomos", meaning "indivisible" or "uncuttable". It was coined by the ancient Greek philosopher Democritus, who proposed that matter was made up of tiny, indivisible particles called atoms.

Combining these two elements, "monatomic" literally means "consisting of a single atom". It is used to describe elements or substances that exist in a form where each particle or entity is an individual, separate atom.

Similar spelling words for MONATOMIC

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