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
The molecular formula of chloroform indicates that a single molecule contains one carbon atom, one hydrogen atom, and three chlorine atoms.
From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019
The empirical formula mass of a covalent compound may be compared to the compound’s molecular or molar mass to derive a molecular formula.
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.
