molecular weight

noun

: the average mass of a molecule of a compound compared to ¹/₁₂ the mass of carbon 12 and calculated as the sum of the atomic weights of the constituent atoms

Examples of molecular weight in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The Inflation Reduction Act stipulates that small molecule drugs — composed of chemicals with a low molecular weight, encompassing most drugs on the market — are eligible for Medicare negotiation seven years after being approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 1 May 2025 The trick was to pick a hydrocarbon molecule with the right molecular weight. IEEE Spectrum, 5 Nov. 2014 Its hyaluronic acid has a small molecular weight—all the better to penetrate the skin and deliver deep hydration—and the concealer is also infused with peptides to soften fine lines. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 22 Mar. 2025 In layman's terms, that means five types of HA with low, medium, and high molecular weights to address skin at different levels—not just the surface. Sarah Han, Allure, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for molecular weight

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of molecular weight was in 1860

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Cite this Entry

“Molecular weight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/molecular%20weight. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

molecular weight

noun
: the weight of a molecule equal to the sum of the weights of the atoms contained in it

Medical Definition

molecular weight

noun
: the mass of a molecule that may be calculated as the sum of the atomic weights of its constituent atoms

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