molecule

[ mol-uh-kyool ]
/ ˈmɒl əˌkyul /

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.

Origin of molecule

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

OTHER WORDS FROM molecule

sub·mol·e·cule, noun su·per·mol·e·cule, noun

Example sentences 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

Medical definitions for molecule

molecule
[ mŏlĭ-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.

Scientific definitions for molecule

molecule
[ mŏlĭ-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.

Cultural 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.)