molecule
1 synonyms and 0 antonyms for molecule, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The smallest unit of a substance that keeps all its chemical properties, made of two or more atoms bonded together.
How to use molecule
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Borrowed from French molécule, from New Latin molecula, a diminutive of Latin moles, "a mass."
Full origin of molecule →Frequently asked questions
What does “molecule” mean?
The word “molecule” means the smallest unit of a substance that keeps all its chemical properties, made of two or more atoms bonded together. In plain terms, the smallest building block of a chemical substance, formed from atoms bonded together.
How do you pronounce “molecule”?
“Molecule” is pronounced MOL-ih-kyool (/ˈmɑ.lɪ.kjul/ in IPA).
How do you use “molecule” in a sentence?
Here is “molecule” used in a sentence: “A water molecule contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.”
What part of speech is “molecule”?
“Molecule” is a noun.
Where does the word “molecule” come from?
The word “molecule” comes from New Latin. Borrowed from French molécule, from New Latin molecula, a diminutive of Latin moles, "a mass.".
Is “molecule” a common word?
“Molecule” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a molecule and an atom?
An atom is the smallest unit of a chemical element, while a molecule is formed when two or more atoms bond together and represents the smallest unit of a substance that keeps its chemical properties. A molecule can be made of atoms of the same element or of different elements.
What is the difference between a molecule and a compound?
A molecule is any group of two or more bonded atoms, while a compound specifically refers to a molecule made of two or more different elements. Water is both a molecule and a compound, but oxygen gas (O2) is a molecule that is not a compound.
Why must a molecule have at least two atoms?
A molecule is defined by the bonding of atoms together, so a single, unbonded atom does not qualify as a molecule on its own. The bond between atoms is what gives a molecule its distinct chemical properties.