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

By burning fossil fuels like oil, coal and natural gas for transportation, agriculture, manufacturing and other commercial activities, humans add a molecule to the atmosphere that traps heat and unnaturally warms the planet.

From Salon

Prof Manga added that water was "the most important molecule in shaping the evolution of a planet".

From BBC

It does this by holding tightly to RNA, the single-stranded molecule that turns the genetic information encoded in DNA into proteins.

From Salon

Prof Manga added that water was "the most important molecule in shaping the evolution of a planet".

From BBC

In the absence of BMP, the signalling molecule beta-catenin takes on the role of the Nodal antagonist.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• fragment
• particle