self-assembly

noun

self-as·​sem·​bly ˌself-ə-ˈsem-blē How to pronounce self-assembly (audio)
: the process by which a complex macromolecule (such as collagen) or a supramolecular system (such as a virus) spontaneously assembles itself from its components
self-assemble intransitive verb

Examples of self-assembly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The model will sell in Costco stores for $1,999 and will require self-assembly. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2024 While researchers have explored complex shape formation through self-assembly or reconfigurable robotic systems, these often depend on predetermined shapes. Trevor Smith, The Conversation, 26 Feb. 2024 With a method called directed self-assembly, the engineers were able to pattern contact holes for transistors in memory and logic circuits. IEEE Spectrum, 31 Jan. 2012 Despite being rapidly promoted, first to operating a forklift and then again to sales in the living room aisles, climbing the ranks at the Swedish self-assembly furniture giant wasn’t part of his initial plan. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2023 Forecasting self-assembly is a job for supercomputers, and the heavyweight programs required can take days or weeks to run. Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 21 June 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-assembly was in 1946

Dictionary Entries Near self-assembly

Cite this Entry

“Self-assembly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-assembly. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

self-assembly

noun
self-as·​sem·​bly -ə-ˈsem-blē How to pronounce self-assembly (audio)
plural self-assemblies
: the process by which a complex macromolecule (as collagen) or a supramolecular system (as a virus) spontaneously assembles itself from its components
self-assemble intransitive verb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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