molecule
nounattested in dialogue
- United Kingdom//ˈmɒl.ɪ.kjuːl//
- United Kingdom//ˈmɒl.ə.kjuːl//
- United States//ˈmɑ.lɪ.kjul//
- United States//ˈmɑ.lə.kjul//
- Canada//ˈmɒl.ɪ.kjul//
The smallest particle of a specific element or compound that retains the chemical properties of that element or compound; two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.
noun
- 1
The smallest particle of a specific element or compound that retains the chemical properties of that element or compound; two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.
Hydrogen chloride is a diatomic molecule, consisting of a hydrogen atom and a chlorine atom.
The critical component of the photosynthetic system is the “water-oxidizing complex”, made up of manganese atoms and a calcium atom. This system splits water molecules and delivers some of their electrons to other molecules that help build up carbohydrates.
Clinical trials testing the molecule in humans have been underway for three years, Sinclair said.
- 2
A tiny amount.
Etymology
Etymology tree Latin mōlēs Proto-Indo-European *-lós Proto-Indo-European *-elós Proto-Italic *-elos Proto-Italic *-kelos Latin -cula New Latin mōlēculalbor. French moléculebor. English molecule Borrowed from French molécule, from New Latin molecula (“a molecule”), diminutive of Latin moles (“a mass”).
Forms
- plural
- molecules, moleculae, moleculæ
molecule · The smallest particle of a specific element or compound that retains the chemical properties of that element or compound; two or more atoms held…
molly · A woman or girl, especially of low status or prostitute.Molly · A diminutive of Mary or, less often, Margaret.molten · Melted, especially due to great heat