molecule

noun

mol·​e·​cule ˈmä-li-ˌkyül How to pronounce molecule (audio)
1
: the smallest particle of a substance that retains all the properties (see property sense 1a) of the substance and is composed of one or more atoms (see atom sense 1a)
a molecule of water
a molecule of oxygen
2
: a tiny bit : particle
a molecule of political honestyTime

Examples of molecule in a Sentence

There is not a molecule of evidence to support these charges. not a molecule of sense in that girl
Recent Examples on the Web These include looking at the molecules in bee and wasp stings, as well as spider and scorpion toxins. New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2024 Breakages of both strands are particularly dangerous, but any damage can prevent the molecule from replicating properly. Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 24 Oct. 2024 Its porous design increases its surface area, which means more places to hold onto CO2 molecules. Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024 These systems use one or more compounds that readily chemically bind with carbon dioxide molecules or trap them mechanically (i.e., without forming chemical bonds). Erik Kobayashi-Solomon, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for molecule 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'molecule.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French molécule, from New Latin molecula, diminutive of Latin moles mass

First Known Use

1701, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of molecule was in 1701

Dictionary Entries Near molecule

Cite this Entry

“Molecule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/molecule. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

molecule

noun
mol·​e·​cule ˈmäl-i-ˌkyü(ə)l How to pronounce molecule (audio)
1
: the smallest particle of a substance having all the characteristics of the substance
a molecule of water
a molecule of oxygen
2
: a very small bit : particle

Medical Definition

molecule

noun
mol·​e·​cule ˈmäl-i-ˌkyü(ə)l How to pronounce molecule (audio)
: the smallest particle of a substance that retains all the properties of the substance and is composed of one or more atoms

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