Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

functional group

noun

Definition of functional group

: a characteristic reactive unit of a chemical compound especially in organic chemistry

First Known Use of functional group

1892

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

Medical Dictionary

functional group

noun

medical Definition of functional group

: a characteristic reactive unit of a chemical compound

Learn More about functional group

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about functional group

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up functional group? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

quail

play

to recoil in dread or terror

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. insubordinate 'disobedient to authority'

  2. promulgate 'to make known by open declaration'

  3. epochal 'momentous or unparalleled'

  4. clemency 'merciful treatment of someone who could be given harsh punishment'

  5. suborn 'to induce to commit perjury'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

functional group

Test Your Vocabulary

Name More Food!

  • red-fruit
  • Name that Fruit!
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Dictionary Devil

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games