molecular weight


noun Chemistry.

the average weight of a molecule of an element or compound measured in units once based on the weight of one hydrogen atom taken as the standard or on 1/16 (0.0625) the weight of an oxygen atom, but after 1961 based on 1/12 (0.083) the weight of the carbon-12 atom; the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a molecule. Abbreviation: mol. wt.
Also called formula weight.

Origin of molecular weight

First recorded in 1875–80

British Dictionary definitions for molecular weight

molecular weight

noun

the former name for relative molecular mass

Medical definitions for molecular weight

molecular weight

n.

The sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a molecule. formula weight

Scientific definitions for molecular weight

molecular weight

The sum of the atomic weights of the atoms contained in a molecule. Also called relative molecular mass

Cultural definitions for molecular weight

molecular weight
[ (muh-lek-yuh-luhr) ]

The sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a molecule.