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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
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
With these observations, the researchers identified the presence of carbon monoxide molecules as well as water vapor in the atmosphere of the exoplanet.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Jan. 2025
Green Molecules Will Emerge as the Building Blocks of the Future
In 2025, investments in green molecule production, including green hydrogen, methanol, ammonia, and synthetic fuels, will grow significantly, driven by policy support and private funding.
—Sarwant Singh, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
In our present work, the molecules are held firmly in place in a crystal, which templates the formation of a mechanical bond around each one.
—Michael Franco, New Atlas, 17 Jan. 2025
After Catalog did the encoding, the DNA molecules were dried into a powder and shipped to France, where biological storage firm Imagene packaged the molecules into stainless steel capsules with an inert internal atmosphere, meaning there is no oxygen or moisture inside.
—Emily Mullin, WIRED, 16 Jan. 2025
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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
Articles Related to molecule
Dictionary Entries Near molecule
Cite this Entry
“Molecule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/molecule. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on molecule
Nglish: Translation of molecule for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of molecule for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about molecule
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