Mono Is a Prefix That Learned to Stand Alone
Mono means single. It also names a sound format and, informally, a disease.
Mono means single or one, from Greek *monos*, alone. It is a prefix that has been cut loose three separate times: *mono* for monophonic sound, *mono* for mononucleosis, and *mono* as a plain adjective meaning single-channel. Each shortening happened independently, which is why the same four letters can mean a recording format or an illness depending entirely on context. The prefix itself is everywhere in English, from *monopoly* to *monotone* to *monk*, which comes from *monos* by way of one who lives alone.
- Single-channel sound. *Recorded in mono.*
- Mononucleosis. *He has mono.*
- Single. *Mono-crop.*
- Monk — one who lives alone. *A monk.*
- Greek — *monos*, alone. *The root.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Prefix | mono- | Monorail. |
| Noun | mono | In mono. |
| Full form | monophonic | Monophonic. |
| Full form | mononucleosis | Mononucleosis. |
| Greek | monos | Alone. |
- The record is in mono.Sound.
- She came down with mono.Illness.
- Monos means alone.Etymology.
The monos family
- Monopoly — a single seller
- Monotone — a single unchanging pitch
- Monolith — a single stone
- Monk — one who lives alone
- Monogamy — a single partner
From Greek *monos*, alone or single, shortened from *monophonic* and *mononucleosis* in the twentieth century.
Why does mono mean two different things?
It was shortened independently from monophonic and from mononucleosis, so context decides which is meant.
Is monk related to mono?
Yes. It comes from Greek monos, alone, through a word meaning one who lives a solitary life.