empirical formula

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a chemical formula indicating the elements of a compound and their relative proportions, as (CH 2 O) n .

empirical formula

noun

1. See structural formula, molecular formula
   a chemical formula indicating the proportion of each element present in a molecule Compare molecular formula structural formula

   C6H12O6 is the molecular formula of sucrose whereas CH2O is its empirical formula

2. a formula or expression obtained from experimental data rather than theory

empirical formula

1. A chemical formula that indicates the relative proportions of the elements in a molecule rather than the actual number of atoms of the elements. The empirical formula of a compound may be simpler than its molecular formula, which is a multiple of the empirical formula. For example, glucose has the molecular formula C 6 H 12 O 6 but the empirical formula CH 2 O.
2. Compare molecular formula

Word History and Origins

Origin of empirical formula¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

Guetta is himself evidently at a loss to grasp the significance of the empirical formula, "Listen and imitate."

From Project Gutenberg

If now the derivative is formed entirely without the hydrolysis the empirical formula C6H6O.

From Project Gutenberg

The principal constituent of the crude material is the pure gutta, a hydrocarbon of the empirical formula C10H16.

From Project Gutenberg