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empirical formula

noun

Definition of empirical formula

  1. :  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

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First Known Use of empirical formula

1837

Medical Dictionary

empirical formula

noun

Medical Definition of empirical formula

  1. :  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

Learn More about empirical formula

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about empirical formula

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