monodisperse
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˌmɒnəʊdɪsˈpɜːs/
KK: /mɑnəˈdɪspɜrs/
adjective
Definition
Describing a collection of particles that are all about the same size, making them uniform in a mixture.
Example
The researchers used a monodisperse solution to ensure consistent results in their experiments.
Conversation
Did you see that new experiment involving monodisperse particles?
Yeah, it sounds fascinating! What did they find out?
They discovered that using monodisperse particles improved the reaction rate significantly.
That’s really interesting! I guess having uniform sizes makes a big difference.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
uniform
consistent
homogeneous
Antonyms
heterogeneous
varied
mixed
verb
Definition
To make a collection of particles uniform in size, so that all particles are the same size.
Example
The scientist worked to monodisperse the solution for better results in the experiment.
Tense Forms
Past: monodispersed
Past Participle: monodispersed
Conversation
Have you ever thought about how to monodisperse the particles in that experiment?
Not really, but I know it’s important for consistency.
Yeah, it makes a big difference in the results if you can monodisperse them well.
Root Explanation
Monodisperse → It is formed from "mono-" (meaning one or single) and "dispersus" (from Latin, meaning scattered or spread out). The word "monodisperse" refers to a system where particles are of uniform size, hence all are single or one size.
Memory Tip
Think of 'mono-' meaning 'one' and 'dispersus' meaning 'scattered' — this helps you remember that 'monodisperse' describes particles that are all the same size, or 'one size'.
Visually Confused Words
disperse