molecule

[ mol-uh-kyool ]

noun

1. Chemistry, Physics. the smallest physical unit of an element or compound, consisting of one or more like atoms in an element and two or more different atoms in a compound.
2. Chemistry. a quantity of a substance, the weight of which, measured in any chosen unit, is numerically equal to the molecular weight; gram molecule.
3. any very small particle.

molecule

/ ˈmɒlɪˌkjuːl /

noun

1. the simplest unit of a chemical compound that can exist, consisting of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds
2. a very small particle

molecule

/ mŏl′ĭ-kyo̅o̅l′ /

1. A group of two or more atoms linked together by sharing electrons in a chemical bond. Molecules are the fundamental components of chemical compounds and are the smallest part of a compound that can participate in a chemical reaction.

molecule

1. A combination of two or more atoms held together by a force between them. ( See covalent bond and ionic bond .)

Other Words From

• sub·mole·cule noun
• super·mole·cule noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of molecule¹

First recorded in 1785–95; earlier molecula, from New Latin, from Latin mōlē(s) “mass” ( molar ²( def ) ) + -cula -cule ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of molecule¹

C18: via French from New Latin mōlēcula, diminutive of Latin mōlēs mass, mole ⁴

Example Sentences

"We are going from a molecule that has low energy and producing from it a fuel that has high energy," said Neves-Garcia.

From Science Daily

"As we get a better grasp on identifying and measuring these diverse circulating molecules in our bodies and how they're metabolized, we could make huge strides in personalizing medicine accordingly," says Metallo.

From Science Daily

The energy that is being harvested as part of this research is being generated by squeezing amino acid molecules, the building blocks of proteins that exist in the human body.

From Science Daily

However, separating sEVs from other molecules and identifying the factors which lead to their release is both difficult and time-consuming with conventional methods.

From Science Daily

In the hMPV F protein, Zhu didn't find the same patch of repellant molecules -- instead, he used a strong chemical bond as a "brute force" solution to hold the protein together.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• fragment
• particle