molecule
Molecule (noun) means the smallest unit of a substance that keeps all its chemical properties, made of two or more atoms bonded together. Example: “A water molecule contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.”
How to use molecule
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe smallest building block of a chemical substance, formed from atoms bonded together.
Word forms
molecules plural, moleculae plural, moleculæ plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A water _____ contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
Etymology
Borrowed from French molécule, from New Latin molecula, a diminutive of Latin moles, "a mass."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for molecule
See all rhymes for 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.