molecule

noun

mol·​e·​cule ˈmä-li-ˌkyül 

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

Synonyms

• atom
• bit
• crumb
• dribble
• fleck
• flyspeck
• grain
• granule
• morsel
• mote
• nubbin
• nugget
• particle
• patch
• scrap
• scruple
• snip
• snippet
• speck
• tittle

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

Ground nubbins of paprika, cumin, sage and black pepper that have moldered into flavorless, colored molecules. —Scott Hocker, theweek, 23 Dec. 2024

Organic molecules called tholins are probably responsible for Pluto’s reddish blush. —Elise Cutts, WIRED, 22 Dec. 2024

And since the same argument applies to the ordinary vibrations of molecules and atoms, this raises the possibility of widespread disruption to the ordinary existence of matter in a timelike curve. —The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 20 Dec. 2024

Read more Cancer Russia To Launch Free Cancer Vaccine in 2025 Inside the tumors, the team observed an excess number of molecules that promote inflammation and a shortage of those that help resolve it and promote healing. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024

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

Kids Definition

molecule

noun

mol·​e·​cule ˈmäl-i-ˌkyü(ə)l 

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 

: the smallest particle of a substance that retains all the properties of the substance and is composed of one or more atoms