"compound from which a polymer might be formed," 1914, from mono- + Greek meros "part" (from PIE root *(s)mer- (2) "to get a share of something"). Related: Monomeric.
Entries linking to monomer
mono-
word-forming element of Greek origin meaning "one, single, alone; containing one (atom, etc.)," from Greek monos "single, alone," from PIE root *men- (4) "small, isolated."
*(s)mer- 2
Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to get a share of something."
It forms all or part of: demerit; emeritus; isomer; isomeric; meretricious; merism; meristem; merit; meritorious; mero-; monomer; Moira; polymer; turmeric.
It is the hypothetical source of/evidence for its existence is provided by: Greek meros "part, lot," moira "share, fate," moros "fate, destiny, doom;" Hittite mark "to divide" a sacrifice; Latin merere, meriri "to earn, deserve, acquire, gain."