molecule

noun

mol·e·cule | \ ˈmä-li-ˌkyül

Definition of molecule

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 honesty — Time

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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

The crucial factor here is the size of the fatty acid molecules that make up the oil. — Jenn Sinrich, SELF, "What You Should Know Before Using a Trendy New Face Oil," 13 Mar. 2019 The photo was taken by Harvard University’s Dr. Tessa Montague with a confocal microscope, an instrument that allows researchers to use fluorescent molecules to visualize cellular structures. — Daniela Hernandez, WSJ, "From Tears to Spider Embryos: Photos Reveal World’s Microscopic Wonders," 12 Oct. 2018 Eigenbrode explained that the organic molecules found on Mars are not specific evidence of life. — Fox News, "Massive Mars discovery: Organic molecules 'fundamental to our search for life' found by NASA rover," 2 Oct. 2018 Because the atoms that make up the molecules are constantly in motion, there will be small fluctuations over time. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Penn State scientists build quantum version of Maxwell’s demon," 12 Sep. 2018 Surface tension occurs because water molecules tend to stick to each other (molecular adhesion), forming a kind of supportive film to keep very light creatures afloat. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Geckos’ new superpower is running on water; now we know how they do it," 6 Dec. 2018 The main ingredient is deoxycholic acid, a synthetic version of a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of fat. — Michelle Gant, Fox News, "'Selfie awareness' has millennials turning to double chin removal procedures," 21 Sep. 2018 These chemical additives are small molecules added to a polymer to make the end material easier to melt and mold. — Alex Wong, National Geographic, "The Race to Save Historic Plastic Artifacts," 31 May 2018 But for all that to happen, the water molecules need something to condense on to—a starting seed. — Helen Czerski, WSJ, "Tiny Particles That Let You See Your Breath," 11 Oct. 2018

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