diatomic

[dahy-uh-tom-ik]

adjective Chemistry.

having two atoms in the molecule.

containing two replaceable atoms or groups; binary.

Origin of diatomic

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

Related formsdi·at·o·mic·i·ty

[dahy-at-uh-mis-i-tee] /ˌdaɪ æt əˈmɪs ɪ ti/, noun

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Examples from the Web for diatomic

Historical Examples of diatomic

Hence it may be inferred that this value is typical for diatomic molecules.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1
Various

British Dictionary definitions for diatomic

diatomic

adjective

((of a compound or molecule))

containing two atoms
containing two characteristic groups or atomsethylene glycol is a diatomic alcohol

Derived Formsdiatomicity (ˌdaɪætəˈmɪsɪtɪ), noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

diatomic in Medicine

diatomic

[dī′ə-tŏm′ĭk]

adj.

Made up of two atoms.