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polyatomic

American  
[pol-ee-uh-tom-ik] / ˌpɒl i əˈtɒm ɪk /

adjective

Chemistry.
  1. pertaining to a molecule containing more than two atoms.


polyatomic British  
/ ˌpɒlɪəˈtɒmɪk /

adjective

  1. (of a molecule) containing more than two atoms

"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

Etymology

Origin of polyatomic

First recorded in 1855–60; poly- + atomic

Vocabulary lists containing polyatomic

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.

See Examples For:

Understanding how many atoms move and interact inside laser-driven polyatomic molecules is essential for any attempt to guide chemical reactions using intense light.

From Science Daily Nov. 28, 2025

For example, electrons or polyatomic gases in a magnetic field do behave this way.

From Science Daily Mar. 20, 2024

Oxyanions are polyatomic ions that contain one or more oxygen atoms.

From Textbooks Feb. 14, 2019

However, the formulas for some ionic compounds containing polyatomic ions are not empirical formulas.

From Textbooks Feb. 14, 2019

In common with many other polyatomic open-chain alcohols, they generally possess a characteristic sweet, or mildly sweetish, taste.

From The Chemistry of Plant Life by Thatcher, Roscoe Wilfred

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