empirical formula

noun

Definition of empirical formula

: a chemical formula showing the simplest ratio of elements in a compound rather than the total number of atoms in the molecule CH₂O is the empirical formula for glucose

Examples of empirical formula in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In 1973 Carl Sagan devised a more empirical formula for Kardashev’s scale that allowed for finer gradations. — Lee Billings, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2015

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'empirical formula.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

14 May 2022

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“Empirical formula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empirical%20formula. Accessed 28 May. 2022.

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empirical formula

noun

Medical Definition of empirical formula

: a chemical formula showing the simplest ratio of elements in a compound rather than the total number of atoms in the molecule CH₂O is the empirical formula for glucose — compare molecular formula