homopolymer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “homopolymer” mean?
A polymer made from only one type of monomer unit.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A polymer made from only one type of monomer unit.
A long-chain molecule consisting of repeated identical subunits. In molecular biology, it can refer to a sequence of DNA or RNA composed entirely of one type of nucleotide (e.g., poly-A tail).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling conventions follow the general '-mer' suffix in both varieties.
Connotations
Purely technical, no connotative differences.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both dialects, confined to scientific literature and discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “homopolymer” in a Sentence
[determiner] + homopolymer + of + [monomer][adjective] + homopolymerhomopolymer + consisting of + [monomer]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “homopolymer” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The homopolymer fraction was isolated for testing.
- We observed a homopolymer contamination in the sample.
American English
- The homopolymer component showed higher strength.
- Homopolymer sequences can complicate PCR.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, only in specialty chemical manufacturing reports (e.g., 'The plant produces polypropylene homopolymer for injection molding.')
Academic
Common in polymer chemistry, biochemistry, and materials science papers (e.g., 'The homopolymer exhibited distinct thermal properties.')
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context. Used to describe molecular structure in synthesis, analysis, and sequencing protocols (e.g., 'Homopolymer regions can cause sequencing errors.')
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “homopolymer”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “homopolymer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “homopolymer”
- Mispronouncing as 'home-oh-polymer'.
- Confusing with 'homogeneous polymer' (which refers to mixture uniformity, not monomer identity).
- Using in non-scientific contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, no. Natural DNA is a copolymer of four different nucleotides (A, T, C, G). However, specific synthetic or natural sequences can be homopolymers (e.g., a poly-A tail).
A homopolymer consists of one monomer type, a copolymer consists of two or more different monomer types.
No, it is a highly specialized term used almost exclusively in chemistry, materials science, and molecular biology.
Yes, examples include cellulose (a homopolymer of glucose) and natural rubber (polyisoprene), though many biological polymers are copolymers.
A polymer made from only one type of monomer unit.
Homopolymer is usually technical/scientific in register.
Homopolymer: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhɒm.əʊˈpɒl.ɪ.mər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhoʊ.moʊˈpɑː.lɪ.mɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'HOMO' (same) + 'POLYMER' (chain of units) = a chain made of identical units.
Conceptual Metaphor
A train where every carriage is exactly the same.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of a homopolymer?