dimerize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “dimerize” mean?
To combine two identical or similar molecules (monomers) to form a dimer.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To combine two identical or similar molecules (monomers) to form a dimer.
More generally, to form a paired or coupled structure from two constituent units.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. British English may be more likely to use the spelling 'dimerise', though '-ize' is also accepted.
Connotations
Purely technical/scientific in both variants.
Frequency
Equally rare in general language but standard in relevant scientific fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “dimerize” in a Sentence
The protein dimerizes [intransitive].The enzyme dimerizes the substrate [transitive].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dimerize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Under these conditions, the receptor proteins will dimerise and activate the signal pathway.
- The research aimed to discover what prompted the molecules to dimerise.
American English
- The enzyme dimerizes in the presence of the cofactor.
- We need to prevent these compounds from dimerizing during storage.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Exclusively used in chemistry, biochemistry, and materials science papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term describing a fundamental chemical process.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dimerize”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dimerize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dimerize”
- Using it as a general synonym for 'combine' or 'join'.
- Confusing 'dimerize' (verb) with 'dimer' (noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised term confined to chemistry, biochemistry, and related technical fields.
'Dimerize' specifically means to combine two monomers. 'Polymerize' means to combine many monomers into a long chain (a polymer).
Yes. Intransitive: 'The protein dimerizes.' Transitive: 'The catalyst dimerizes the monomers.'
The process is called 'dimerization' (US) / 'dimerisation' (UK). The resulting product is a 'dimer'.
To combine two identical or similar molecules (monomers) to form a dimer.
Dimerize is usually formal, technical, scientific in register.
Dimerize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdaɪməraɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdaɪməˌraɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'di-' (meaning two) + 'mer' (unit) + '-ize' (to make) = to make a two-unit structure.
Conceptual Metaphor
PAIRING AS BONDING: Two separate entities coming together to form a single, stable partnership.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the verb 'dimerize' most commonly used?