Molecule Meaning
/ˈmɒl.ɪ.kjuːl/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe smallest particle of a specific element or compound that retains the chemical properties of that element or compound; two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.
nounA tiny amount.
Sentence Examples
A water molecule has two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
This molecule has a crystalline structure.
CEFR Practice Quiz
A water ____ has two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Water is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, which together form a single water ____.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Latin mōlēs Proto-Indo-European *-lós Proto-Indo-European *-elós Proto-Italic *-elos Proto-Italic *-kelos New Latin -cula New Latin moleculalbor. French moléculebor. English molecule Borrowed from French molécule, from New Latin molecula (“a molecule”), diminutive of Latin moles (“a mass”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The critical component of the photosynthetic system is the “water-oxidizing complex”, made up of manganese atoms and a calcium atom. This system splits water molecules and delivers some of their electrons to other molecules that help build up carbohydrates."
— 2013 September-October, Katie L. Burke, “In the News”, in American Scientist, Sigma Xi, →OCLC, archived from the original on 03 Sep 2013:
"Clinical trials testing the molecule in humans have been underway for three years, Sinclair said."
— 2022 June 2, Sandee LaMotte, “The ‘Benjamin Button’ effect: Scientists can reverse aging in mice. The goal is to do the same for humans”, in CNN:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
A water ____ has two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Water is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, which together form a single water ____.