definitions

molecule

[ mol-uh-kyool ]
/ ˈmɒl əˌkyul /
|
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR molecule ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

Chemistry, Physics. the smallest physical unit of an element or compound, consisting of one or more like atoms in an element and two or more different atoms in a compound.
Chemistry. a quantity of a substance, the weight of which, measured in any chosen unit, is numerically equal to the molecular weight; gram molecule.
any very small particle.

RELATED CONTENT

When Did “Chemical” Become Such A Toxic Word?When people see the word chemical, it tends to inspire fear, but should it?
READ MORE
Exculpate, Mockumentary, Burpless, And Other Words That Trended On Dictionary.com This Past WeekIn this batch of trending words, we offer a "stirring" mix of 10 terms that trended (i.e., significantly increased by percentage measured against searches on the the previous day).
READ MORE

RELATED WORDS

fragment, particle, jot, speck, minim, mote, modicum, bit, mite, iota, unit, ray, ounce

Nearby words

molecular spectrum, molecular surgery, molecular volume, molecular weight, molecularity, molecule, molehill, moleskin, moleskins, molest, molet

Origin of molecule

1785–95; earlier molecula < New Latin, equivalent to Latin mōlē(s) mass + -cula -cule1

Related forms

sub·mol·e·cule, nounsu·per·mol·e·cule, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for molecule

British Dictionary definitions for molecule

molecule

/ (ˈmɒlɪˌkjuːl) /

noun

the simplest unit of a chemical compound that can exist, consisting of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds
a very small particle

Word Origin for molecule

C18: via French from New Latin mōlēcula, diminutive of Latin mōlēs mass, mole 4
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

Medicine definitions for molecule

molecule

[ mŏl′ĭ-kyōōl′ ]

n.

The smallest particle into which an element or a compound can be divided without changing its chemical and physical properties; a group of atoms that is held together chemically.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for molecule

molecule

[ mŏl′ĭ-kyōōl′ ]

A group of two or more atoms linked together by sharing electrons in a chemical bond. Molecules are the fundamental components of chemical compounds and are the smallest part of a compound that can participate in a chemical reaction.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Culture definitions for molecule

molecule

[ (mol-uh-kyoohl) ]

A combination of two or more atoms held together by a force between them. (See covalent bond and ionic bond.)

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.