How Do You Spell CROSSLINKING?

Pronunciation: [kɹˈɒslɪŋkɪŋ] (IPA)

Crosslinking is a process that involves linking two or more polymer chains together through covalent bonds. The word crosslinking is spelled phonetically as /krɒsˈlɪŋkɪŋ/ with the stress on the second syllable. The "cross" part is pronounced with a short "o" sound followed by "s" and "k" sounds. The "linking" part is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by "n" and "k" sounds. This word is commonly used in the fields of chemistry, biology, and materials science to describe the formation of new chemical bonds between different molecules.

CROSSLINKING Meaning and Definition

1. Crosslinking refers to a chemical process that involves the formation of chemical bonds between molecules or different regions within the same molecule to create a three-dimensional network structure. This process of linking together these molecules or regions is achieved by the formation of covalent or non-covalent bonds. Crosslinking is commonly used in various fields, such as chemistry, polymer science, and biology, to enhance the properties and functionality of materials.

   In polymers, crosslinking is employed to modify mechanical, thermal, and chemical characteristics, making the material more durable, resistant to degradation, and capable of withstanding higher temperatures. It involves the creation of bonds between polymer chains, leading to the formation of a network with improved strength and rigidity. This process can occur naturally over time, as in the case of vulcanization of rubber, or it can be induced through external sources like heat, radiation, or chemical agents.

   In biology, crosslinking is a critical method employed to study protein interactions, protein structure and function, and the formation of biomaterials. Crosslinkers are used to covalently attach or identify proteins, nucleic acids, or other biomolecules, allowing researchers to investigate their behavior, determine their interactions, and elucidate their structural organization. Additionally, crosslinking plays a vital role in tissue engineering, where it is utilized to create scaffolds with interconnected networks that mimic the natural extracellular matrix, facilitating cell growth and tissue regeneration.

   Overall, crosslinking enables the creation of more robust materials, facilitates the study of molecular interactions, and provides innovative solutions in various scientific and engineering disciplines.

Common Misspellings for CROSSLINKING

• crosstining

Etymology of CROSSLINKING

The word "crosslinking" is a compound term that combines the words "cross" and "linking".

- The word "cross" originates from the Old English word "cros", derived from the Old Irish "cros" or Old Norse "kross". It ultimately traces back to the Latin "crux", meaning "a crossing".

- The word "linking" is derived from the Old English word "hlencan" or "hlencgan", meaning "to join or unite". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*hlankijaną" and further to the Proto-Indo-European root "*klonk-", meaning "ring or hook".

When these two words are combined, "crosslinking" refers to the process of linking or connecting molecules or parts in a crosswise manner, creating new molecular structures or reinforcing existing ones.