self-assembly

noun

self-as·​sem·​bly ˌself-ə-ˈsem-blē 

: 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 

intransitive verb

Examples of self-assembly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Molecular self-assembly meets graphene Silicon solar panels have dominated the market for decades, but are rapidly hitting an absolute physical efficiency limit. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 July 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

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-assembly

• disassembly
• reassembly
• subassembly
• assembly

Medical Definition

self-assembly

noun

self-as·​sem·​bly -ə-ˈsem-blē 

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 

intransitive verb