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diatomic

[dahy-uh-tom-ik]
adjective Chemistry.
  1. having two atoms in the molecule.
  2. containing two replaceable atoms or groups; binary.
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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
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

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
  1. ((of a compound or molecule))
    1. containing two atoms
    2. containing two characteristic groups or atomsethylene glycol is a diatomic alcohol
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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.
  1. Made up of two atoms.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.