hydrogen bond

noun

Updated on: 2 Mar 2018

Definition of hydrogen bond

: an electrostatic attraction between a hydrogen atom in one polar molecule (as of water) and a small electronegative atom (as of oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine) in usually another molecule of the same or a different polar substance

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hydrogen bonding

noun

Recent Examples of hydrogen bond from the Web

These channels and cell walls collapse during the heat-and-squeeze part of the researchers' process and new hydrogen bonds form between cellulose molecules, toughening the material.

— marissa fessenden, Smithsonian, "New Super Wood Beats Metals in Feats of Strength," 10 Feb. 2018
The hydrogen bonds form in a such a way that the polymer doesn't crystallize, giving the molecular chains the ability to move freely, and easily combine when pieces of the substance are compressed.

— andrew wagner, Science | AAAS, "This new material heals—not cracks—under pressure," 14 Dec. 2017

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