monolithic

adjective

mono·​lith·​ic ˌmä-nə-ˈli-thik 

1

a

: of, relating to, or resembling a monolith : huge, massive

a large monolithic building

an influential monolithic organization

b(1)

: formed from a single crystal

a monolithic silicon chip

(2)

: produced in or on a monolithic chip (see chip entry 1 sense 6b)

a monolithic circuit

2

a

: cast as a single piece

a monolithic concrete wall

b

: formed or composed of material without joints or seams

a monolithic floor covering

c

: consisting of or constituting a single unit

3

a

: constituting a massive undifferentiated and often rigid whole

a monolithic society

b

: exhibiting or characterized by often rigidly fixed uniformity

monolithic party unity

monolithically

ˌmä-nə-ˈli-thi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of monolithic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This approach should include: Unified Data Infrastructure: Providing coherent access to data across diverse locations without relying on outdated monolithic data lakes. —Steve McDowell, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

Assad was a tyrant, but those fighting Assad were not one monolithic, freedom-seeking rebel group. —The Editors, National Review, 8 Dec. 2024

The delicate, pretty E-Type is almost tubular in section, like an aircraft fuselage, whereas this car is massive and monolithic. —Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 3 Dec. 2024

The body surfacing is monolithic: square-cut, linear, and confident. —Ben Oliver, WIRED, 3 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see monolith

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1a