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
Words nearby molecular weight
molecular rotation,
molecular sieve,
molecular spectrum,
molecular surgery,
molecular volume,
molecular weight,
molecularity,
molecule,
molehill,
moleskin,
moleskins
British Dictionary definitions for molecular weight
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.