Mono

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈmɒn.əʊ/

Definitions

1. Relating to or consisting of one part or element; prefix denoting singularity or oneness; describing a phenomenon occurring singly or in isolation
2. Characterizing something that involves only one component or is limited to a single instance; used as a prefix to indicate a single unit in compound words; pertaining to a single, undivided entity
3. A prefix used to denote singularity or the presence of only one unit or part ; describing something composed of or involving just one element or individual unit

Etymology: The adjective "mono" is a clipping, a shortened form of a longer word rather than a freestanding root. Its most direct source is "monophonic," the term for sound recorded or transmitted through a single channel, and the shortened form came into use as a quick label for that kind of audio. The clipped form then spread into other senses, so a "mono" recording is simply one that does not separate sound into distinct left and right channels. The same clipping habit produced a second, unrelated-looking use. "Monoamorous," meaning committed to a single romantic partner, was shortened in the same way, so the one syllable can point to either sound or relationships depending on context. Both trace back to the Greek prefix "mono-," meaning "one" or "single," which also sits inside words such as "monologue" and "monarch."

Synonyms: single, one, sole, unitary, individual

Antonyms: multi, multiple, plural, varied, diverse