metamer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/Extremely LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “metamer” mean?
One of two or more chemical compounds (isomers) with identical molecular formulas but different arrangements of atoms in space, or, in colorimetry, colours that match under one light source but not under another.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One of two or more chemical compounds (isomers) with identical molecular formulas but different arrangements of atoms in space, or, in colorimetry, colours that match under one light source but not under another.
In biology, it can refer to a repeating structural unit along the length of an animal's body (a metamere). The chemical and colour science definition is the most common contemporary usage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The term is confined to technical texts in both varieties.
Connotations
Purely denotative; carries no additional connotation in either variety.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general language. Frequency is identical and confined to specialised academic or industrial contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “metamer” in a Sentence
X is a metamer of YX and Y are metamersThe fabrics are metamers under fluorescent light.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metamer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No common verb form]
American English
- [No common verb form]
adverb
British English
- [No common adverb form]
American English
- [No common adverb form]
adjective
British English
- The metameric match failed under sunlight.
- They studied metameric colour pairs.
American English
- The metameric match failed under daylight.
- They analyzed metameric color pairs.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in manufacturing (e.g., textiles, paints, printing) to describe colour matching issues between materials under different lighting conditions.
Academic
Central term in colour science, optics, and organic chemistry research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Precise term in colour calibration, quality control, and chemical analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metamer”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metamer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metamer”
- Mispronouncing as /miːtəmə/ (like 'meat').
- Using it as a general synonym for 'similar'.
- Confusing 'metamer' (noun) with 'metameric' (adjective).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In chemistry, 'metamer' is a specific type of structural isomer where atoms are differently arranged around a divalent atom like oxygen or sulfur (e.g., ethers). In broader use, especially in colour science, it is not synonymous with the general term 'isomer'.
It is critical for ensuring colour consistency. A product (like a car part) made from different materials must be colour-matched not just in the factory light but under sunlight, streetlights, etc., to avoid expensive mismatches.
No, by definition. If they match under all light sources, they are a 'spectral match' or 'unconditional match', not metamers. Metamerism is a conditional match.
The main challenge is identifying the specific technical field (chemistry vs. colour vs. biology) as the exact referent and suitable translation equivalent shift accordingly.
One of two or more chemical compounds (isomers) with identical molecular formulas but different arrangements of atoms in space, or, in colorimetry, colours that match under one light source but not under another.
Metamer is usually technical/scientific in register.
Metamer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛtəmə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛtəmər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms exist for this term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'META' means change and 'MER' comes from 'meros' (part). A METAMER is a substance/colour that seems the same but is made of DIFFERENT PARTS under the META-change of light.
Conceptual Metaphor
An impostor twin: Two things that appear identical in one situation (one light) reveal their true, different natures in another.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'metamer' LEAST likely to be used?