self-assembly

self–as·sem·bly

noun \-ə-ˈsem-blē\

plural self–as·sem·blies

Definition of SELF-ASSEMBLY

: the process by which a complex macromolecule (as collagen) or a supramolecular system (as a virus) spontaneously assembles itself from its components

—self–as·sem·ble \-bəl\ intransitive verb