molecular sieve

noun Chemistry.

a compound with molecule-size pores, as some sodium aluminum silicates, that chemically locks molecules in them: used in purification and separation processes.

QUIZZES

CAN YOU FEEL THE WEAL WITH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ?

Did you collect all of last week’s words, but eftsoons forget what they mean? Don’t worry, we’re here to jog your memory. See how many words from the week of May 18 to 24 you can get right!
Question 1 of 7
weal
well-being, prosperity, or happiness.
the intervening time.
a somewhat prolonged, sharp, shrill cry, as of pain, fear, or surprise.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of molecular sieve

First recorded in 1925–30

Words nearby molecular sieve

molecular layer of cerebellar cortex, molecular medicine, molecular movement, molecular orbital, molecular rotation, molecular sieve, molecular spectrum, molecular surgery, molecular volume, molecular weight, molecularity
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for molecular sieve

molecular sieve

noun

chem a material that can absorb large amounts of certain compounds while not absorbing others and is thus suitable for use in separating mixtures
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012