Zimm

Zimm is a surname and eponym used in science and culture. As a family name, it appears in various countries and is borne by people in arts, entertainment and academia. Notable individuals with the surname include sculptor Bruno Zimm and screenwriter Maurice Zimm, among others.

In science, Zimm is most commonly associated with polymer physics and statistical biophysics. The Zimm model describes the dynamics of polymer chains in dilute solution and accounts for hydrodynamic interactions between monomers; it contrasts with the Rouse model, which neglects those interactions. The Zimm–Bragg model is a statistical model for helix–coil transitions in biopolymers that provides a simple framework for understanding cooperative folding behavior.

Beyond these principal meanings, Zimm appears as a trademark, informal nickname, and occasional toponym or fictional name in literature and media. Usage can vary by region and field, so context is important to determine whether a reference to Zimm denotes a person, a scientific concept, a brand, or a cultural character.