monoclonality: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Very Low
UK/ˌmɒnə(ʊ)kləʊˈnalɪti/US/ˌmɑːnəkloʊˈnælɪti/

Technical/Scientific

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Quick answer

What does “monoclonality” mean?

The state or condition of being monoclonal.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The state or condition of being monoclonal; the property of cells or antibodies derived from a single clone or parent cell.

In immunology and oncology, the characteristic of a cell population originating from a single progenitor cell, often used to describe tumors or antibody production where all cells are genetically identical.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling follows standard conventions (e.g., 'analyse' vs. 'analyze' in related contexts).

Connotations

Identical technical connotations in both varieties.

Frequency

Equally rare in both UK and US English, confined to specialist literature.

Grammar

How to Use “monoclonality” in a Sentence

The monoclonality of [noun phrase] was confirmed.Tests revealed monoclonality in the sample.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
demonstrate monoclonalityconfirm monoclonalitytest for monoclonalityprove monoclonality
medium
assessment of monoclonalityevidence of monoclonalityprinciple of monoclonality
weak
cellular monoclonalitytumor monoclonalitylymphocyte monoclonality

Examples

Examples of “monoclonality” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • The monoclonality analysis was conclusive.
  • We require monoclonality data for the audit.

American English

  • The monoclonality testing was completed.
  • Monoclonality results are pending.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not used.

Academic

Used in research papers, theses, and textbooks in immunology, cancer biology, and molecular medicine.

Everyday

Virtually never used.

Technical

Core term in laboratory reports, diagnostic summaries, and clinical discussions regarding cancer or immune disorders.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “monoclonality”

Strong

clonality (in specific contexts)

Neutral

clonal uniformityclonal derivation

Weak

single-cell originuniclonal nature

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “monoclonality”

polyclonalityheterogeneitymulticlonal origin

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “monoclonality”

  • Misspelling as 'monoclonility' or 'monoclonality'.
  • Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a monoclonality').

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is a highly specialised term used almost exclusively in medical and biological sciences.

'Monoclonality' explicitly means deriving from a single clone. 'Clonality' is a broader term that can refer to the property of being clonal, which may be mono- or polyclonal.

No, the adjective form is 'monoclonal'. 'Monoclonality' is a noun describing the state or property.

It can be crucial for cancer diagnosis, as many malignant tumours are monoclonal, indicating they grew from a single cancerous cell.

The state or condition of being monoclonal.

Monoclonality is usually technical/scientific in register.

Monoclonality: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɒnə(ʊ)kləʊˈnalɪti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɑːnəkloʊˈnælɪti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • None

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

MONO (one) + CLONAL (from a single clone) + ITY (state of being) = the state of being from one clone.

Conceptual Metaphor

A FAMILY TREE with a single ancestor (all cells are descendants of one original cell).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
Laboratory tests the monoclonality of the malignant cells.
Multiple Choice

In which field is the term 'monoclonality' most commonly used?

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