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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
Scientists have long wondered where these molecules come from.
—Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 13 Nov. 2024
Because of this similarity, THC is able to attach to molecules called cannabinoid receptors on neurons in these brain areas and activate them, changing various mental and physical functions.
—Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 28 Oct. 2024
But once a tree gets taller than that, the tension on all those water molecules isn’t strong enough to hold it together.
—Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 1 Nov. 2024
Their process involved taking molecules called silyl (pseudo) halides and treating them with a source of fluoride, removing elements from the former leave an anti-Bredt olefin behind.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for molecule
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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 Nov. 2024.
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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