monosome: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowHighly Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “monosome” mean?
A single, unpaired chromosome, or a ribosome composed of a single subunit.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A single, unpaired chromosome, or a ribosome composed of a single subunit.
In biology, primarily refers to: 1. In genetics/cell biology: an unpaired chromosome in a diploid organism; the state of having one copy of a particular chromosome instead of two. 2. In molecular biology: a ribosome that is not attached to messenger RNA (mRNA) and is dissociated into its subunits, or sometimes refers to a single ribosomal subunit.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent. The technical contexts (genetics, molecular biology) are identical.
Connotations
None beyond its precise scientific definition.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, confined to technical literature.
Grammar
How to Use “monosome” in a Sentence
The patient has a monosome for chromosome X.Monosomes were isolated via centrifugation.A monosome refers to a single ribosomal subunit.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monosome” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The monosome state was confirmed by karyotype analysis.
- Monosome ribosomes are inactive in translation.
American English
- The monosome condition is often lethal in humans.
- Monosome fractions were collected from the gradient.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Exclusively used in specialized biological research papers, textbooks, and presentations on genetics or protein synthesis.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Unknown to the general public.
Technical
Core term in specific sub-fields of biology. Precision is critical.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monosome”
- Misspelling as 'monosone' or 'monosomie'.
- Using it in non-biological contexts.
- Confusing it with 'monosomy' (the condition, not the object).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized scientific term used only in genetics and molecular biology.
'Monosome' refers to the physical chromosome that is unpaired. 'Monosomy' is the condition of having one copy of a chromosome instead of the usual two in a diploid cell.
Not typically. A person has a 'monosomy' (the condition). The cell or karyotype contains a 'monosome' (the specific chromosome).
Almost exclusively in academic research papers, advanced biology textbooks, or medical reports concerning chromosomal abnormalities or ribosome biochemistry.
A single, unpaired chromosome, or a ribosome composed of a single subunit.
Monosome is usually highly technical/scientific in register.
Monosome: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɒnə(ʊ)səʊm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːnəsoʊm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'MONO' (one) + 'SOME' (body/chromosome) = a single chromosome body.
Conceptual Metaphor
An unpaired sock in a drawer of pairs (for the genetic meaning); a single worker idle without instructions (for the ribosomal meaning).
Practice
Quiz
In molecular biology, a 'monosome' most specifically refers to: