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
ˌself-ə-ˈsem-bəl How to pronounce self-assembly (audio)
intransitive verb

Examples of self-assembly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The molecule was shown to form nanoscale p/n heterojunctions through self-assembly, highlighting the feasibility of molecular designs that autonomously organize into functional electronic structures, according to a press release. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 22 Jan. 2026 Swedish megabrand Ikea’s affordable self-assembly furniture has made Scandi style the go-to look for homes, hotels and Airbnbs all over Europe. — Andrew Saunders, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2025 The question was whether these self-assembly processes could work with no human overlords around. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 27 July 2025 The case revolves around a challenge to a regulation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that places new requirements on previously untraceable self-assembly ghost guns. — George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for self-assembly

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for self-assembly

See All Rhymes for self-assembly

Browse Nearby Words

self-approbation
self-assembly
self-asserting
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-assembly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-assembly. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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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
-bəl How to pronounce self-assembly (audio)
intransitive verb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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