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. 1. containing two atoms

   2. containing two characteristic groups or atoms

      ethylene glycol is a diatomic alcohol

Other Word Forms

• diatomicity 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."

Read more on Science Daily

But what about diatomic compounds like oxygen gas?

Read more on 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.

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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.

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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.

Read more on Scientific American