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.

Origin of molecular sieve

First recorded in 1925–30

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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

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