dimer
UK[ˈdaɪmə]US[ˈdaɪmər]
n
A molecule composed of two identical simpler molecules (monomers) linked together.
Morpheme Breakdown
di
mer
di
two
mer
part, unit
Etymology
The word "dimer" is a modern scientific compound formed directly from classical Greek roots. The prefix "di-", derived from the Greek dis meaning "twice", signifies the number two. It is combined with "-mer", a back-formation from Greek meros, meaning "part" or "share". This construction follows a clear and logical pattern in scientific nomenclature, where "di-" specifies the quantity of units, and "-mer" denotes the repeating structural component. Thus, the term's literal meaning, "a structure of two parts", directly and transparently describes its precise chemical definition: a molecule formed by the union of two identical subunits.
Analysis
Structure: di (two) + mer (part, unit)
- di: From Greek, a prefix meaning "two" or "double".
- mer: From Greek meros (part, share), a combining form indicating a unit or part of a structure.
Examples
The protein exists as a stable dimer under physiological conditions.
In the solution, the monomer molecules quickly combine to form a dimer.
Researchers studied the dimer's structure to understand its function.