diatomic

[ dahy-uh-tom-ik ]

/ ˌdaɪ əˈtɒm ɪk /

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adjective Chemistry.

having two atoms in the molecule.

containing two replaceable atoms or groups; binary.

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Origin of diatomic

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

OTHER WORDS FROM diatomic

di·at·o·mic·i·ty

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

Words nearby diatomic

diathermy, diathesis, diatom, diatomaceous, diatomaceous earth, diatomic, diatomite, diatonic, diatonicism, diatreme, diatribe

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use diatomic in a sentence

The molecule of iodine, for example, is monatomic at 1200 C., but becomes diatomic at the ordinary temperature.
The Mechanism of Life|Stphane Leduc
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

/ (ˌdaɪəˈtɒmɪk) /

adjective

((of a compound or molecule))

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

Derived forms of diatomic

diatomicity (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