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Mono Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mono

[ˈmoʊnoʊ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

singular element

The term 'mono' refers to something that is single or one. It is often used to describe a singular form of something, particularly in scientific and technical contexts.

Synonyms

alone, one, single.

Examples of usage

  • Mono sound refers to a single channel of audio.
  • A monologue is a spoken presentation given by one person.
  • Mono culture can negatively affect biodiversity.
Context #2 | Noun

music genre

In music, 'mono' may refer to a style that is characterized by a single sound channel, as opposed to stereo, which uses two. This definition is commonly used to describe recordings or playback systems.

Synonyms

monophonic, one-dimensional, single-channel.

Examples of usage

  • The artist released a mono version of the album.
  • Many classic recordings were made in mono.
  • Listening to mono recordings offers a different experience.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, 'mono' refers to organisms that are single-celled, like bacteria.
  • In chemistry, it describes a compound that consists of one type of atom or molecule, as in 'monomer', a basic unit in polymers.
  • Mononucleosis, often called 'mono', is caused by a virus that prominently affects one type of white blood cell.

Technology

  • In audio and video, 'mono' refers to a single channel of sound or image, in contrast to stereo which has two.
  • Although the music industry initially favored stereo, mono recordings saw a resurgence among enthusiasts due to their distinct sound quality.
  • In computing, 'monolithic' refers to software designed as a single, indivisible unit, often for performance and simplicity.

Pop Culture

  • 'Mono' has been used in titles of songs and albums, showcasing artists' exploration of themes around solitude or singularity.
  • The character 'Mononoke' from the Studio Ghibli film captures the essence of one at odds with a world of conflict.
  • There's a popular board game called 'Monopoly,' which plays on the concept of individual ownership and achieving financial supremacy.

Psychology

  • 'Monotony' describes a lack of variety in experiences, which can impact mental well-being by leading to boredom.
  • In studies, people often show preferences for 'mono-tasking' versus multi-tasking, finding that concentrating on one task enhances productivity.
  • The psychological phenomenon of 'monotask' has emerged, where focusing on one task reduces stress and improves overall performance.

Origin of 'mono'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'mono' comes from the Greek word 'monos' meaning 'alone' or 'single.'
  • It has been used since ancient times in words that describe single things, like 'monologue' (a speech by one person).
  • The prefix is also found in Latin and was widely adopted into English during the 19th century.

The prefix 'mono-' originates from the Greek word 'monos', which means 'alone, single, or one'. It has been adopted into English and various fields such as science, music, and art to denote concepts involving singularity. The use of 'mono' in the context of sound emerged in the 20th century as audio technology evolved, particularly with the introduction of sound recording techniques that distinguished between one-channel (mono) and two-channel (stereo) sound. As a prefix, 'mono-' has also given rise to terms like 'monopoly', 'monotheism', and 'monologue', emphasizing the idea of singularity across various disciplines.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,915, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.