diatomic

[ dahy-uh-tom-ik ]

adjective

, Chemistry.

1. having two atoms in the molecule.
2. containing two replaceable atoms or groups; binary.

diatomic

/ ˌdaɪætəˈmɪsɪtɪ; ˌdaɪəˈtɒmɪk /

adjective

1. (of a compound or molecule)
   1. containing two atoms
   2. containing two characteristic groups or atoms

      ethylene glycol is a diatomic alcohol

Derived Forms

• diatomicity, noun

Other Words From

• di·at·o·mic·i·ty [dahy-at-, uh, -, mis, -i-tee], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of diatomic¹

First recorded in 1865–70; di- ¹ + atomic

Example Sentences

"We have systemically addressed the challenges in electro-biomanufacturing by identifying the metabolic and biochemical limits of diatomic carbon use and have overcome these limits."

From Science Daily

But what about diatomic compounds like oxygen gas?

From Nature

In 1909, German chemist Fritz Haber would discover a process to convert methane and the diatomic nitrogen of the air into water and ammonia, a viable fertilizer.

From Science Magazine

The reason the comet is glowing green is because of molecules of diatomic carbon in its head, which are fluorescing in ultraviolet sunlight in the near-vacuum of space.

From Forbes

The result of such a close relationship is a “photonic molecule,”whose optical modes bear a strong resemblance to the electronic states of a diatomic molecule like hydrogen.

From Scientific American