hydrogen bond

noun

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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Recent Examples on the Web The two main components of this body fluid are water and urea, a molecule that allows the hydrogen bonds to be broken and therefore reduces the viscosities of many aqueous mixtures. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Study: Future astronauts could use their own urine to help build moon bases," 31 Mar. 2020 When water molecules come up against the abrupt transition to air, many can no longer find partners for all their hydrogen bonds. — Emily Underwood, Smithsonian Magazine, "The Complicated Role of Iron in Ocean Health and Climate Change," 6 Jan. 2020 The acid sucks up the water and creates weak hydrogen bonds, which briefly holds the materials together. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "Double-Sided Tape Inspired by Spiderwebs Could Revolutionize Surgery," 1 Nov. 2019 In addition to the iron, zinc, and a mineral called lüneburgite, there are things like urea and a source of sulfur-hydrogen bonds. — John Timmer, Ars Technica, "Single reaction mixture can produce all four RNA bases," 4 Oct. 2019 Inside the gel, a layer of water molecules bonded tightly to the PVA, each forming multiple chemical links known as hydrogen bonds. — Robert F. Service, Science | AAAS, "New solar technology could produce clean drinking water for millions in need," 28 June 2019 At that temperature, the hydrogen bonds in the hair will break then reform in the shape of the curls. — Jessica Cruel, SELF, "12 Common Curling Iron Mistakes and How to Stop Making Them," 8 June 2018 Hair consists of keratin, a protein that is wound into a coil held together by hydrogen bonds. — Tom Skilling, chicagotribune.com, "Ask Tom: Why does humid weather affect hair?," 4 May 2018 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

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.

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“Hydrogen bond.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrogen%20bond. Accessed 24 Feb. 2021.

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