molecular formula
Americannoun
noun
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A chemical formula that shows the total number and kinds of atoms in a molecule, but not their structural arrangement. For example, the molecular formula of aspirin is C 9 H 8 O 4.
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Compare empirical formula structural formula
Etymology
Origin of molecular formula
First recorded in 1900–05
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"It's capturing the actual molecular formula of space".
From BBC ● Apr. 29, 2026
With a molecular formula of C17H24O7, the compound was found to feature a distinctive ribose moiety, identified as α-ribofuranoside through stereochemical analysis.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 11, 2024
Write a sentence that describes how to determine the number of moles of a compound in a known mass of the compound using its molecular formula.
From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019
H2 is a molecular formula; it represents a diatomic molecule of hydrogen, consisting of two atoms of the element that are chemically bonded together.
From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019
That the volume relations may be correct a gaseous element must be given its molecular formula.
From An Elementary Study of Chemistry by William McPherson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
