fullerene

[ fool-uh-reen ]

noun

1. any of a class of molecules of carbon having a roughly spherical shape.

fullerene

/ ˈfʊləˌriːn /

noun

1. any of various carbon molecules with a polyhedral structure similar to that of buckminsterfullerene, such as C 70 , C 76 , and C 84 See also buckminsterfullerene

fullerene

/ fl′ə-rēn′ /

1. Any of various carbon molecules that are nearly spherical in shape, are composed of hexagonal, pentagonal, or heptagonal groups of atoms, and constitute the third form of pure carbon after diamond and graphite.
2. See more at buckminsterfullerene

Word History and Origins

Origin of fullerene¹

1985–90; after R. Buckminster Fuller; -ene

Example Sentences

Known as fullerenes, these all-carbon molecules come in a variety of shapes, such as buckeyballs and tubes.

From Science News For Students