molecular formula
Americannoun
noun
-
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.
-
Compare empirical formula structural formula
Etymology
Origin of molecular formula
First recorded in 1900–05
Compare meaning
How does molecular-formula compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
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
Assuming ideal solution behavior, what is the molecular formula of the solute?
From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019
How could you show experimentally that the molecular formula of propene is C3H6, not CH2?
From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019
The probability, however, is that no simple molecular formula adequately represents the constitution of cellulose as it actually exists or indeed reacts.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 5 "Cat" to "Celt" by Various
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.
