polyatomic

[ pol-ee-uh-tom-ik ]

adjective

, Chemistry.

1. pertaining to a molecule containing more than two atoms.

polyatomic

/ ˌpɒlɪəˈtɒmɪk /

adjective

1. (of a molecule) containing more than two atoms

Word History and Origins

Origin of polyatomic¹

First recorded in 1855–60; poly- + atomic