smallest unit in a substance or compound (usually composed of one or more atoms); tiny particle
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Molecule Definition from Language, Idioms & Slang Dictionaries & Glossaries
(n.)
The smallest part of any substance which possesses the characteristic properties and qualities of that substance, and which can exist alone in a free state.
The smallest part of any substance which possesses the characteristic properties and qualities of that substance, and which can exist alone in a free state.
(n.)
One of the very small invisible particles of which all matter is supposed to consist.
One of the very small invisible particles of which all matter is supposed to consist.
(n.)
A group of atoms so united and combined by chemical affinity that they form a complete, integrated whole, being the smallest portion of any particular compound that can exist in a free state; as, a molecule of water consists of two atoms of hydrogen and one of oxygen. Cf. Atom.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), edited by Noah Porter. AboutA group of atoms so united and combined by chemical affinity that they form a complete, integrated whole, being the smallest portion of any particular compound that can exist in a free state; as, a molecule of water consists of two atoms of hydrogen and one of oxygen. Cf. Atom.
molecule
\mol"e*cule\ (?), n. [dim. fr. l. moles a mass: cf. f. molécule. see 3d mole.]
1. one of the very small invisible particles of which all matter is supposed to consist.
2. (physics) the smallest part of any substance which possesses the characteristic properties and qualities of that substance, and which can exist alone in a free state.
3. (chem.) a group of atoms so united and combined by chemical affinity that they form a complete, integrated whole, being the smallest portion of any particular compound that can exist in a free state; as, a molecule of water consists of two atoms of hydrogen and one of oxygen. cf. atom.
Molecule, (n.)
The ultimate, indivisible unit of matter. It is distinguished from the corpuscle, also the ultimate, indivisible unit of matter, by a closer resemblance to the atom, also the ultimate, indivisible unit of matter. Three great scientific theories of the structure of the universe are the molecular, the corpuscular and the atomic. A fourth affirms, with Haeckel, the condensation of precipitation of matter from ether -- whose existence is proved by the condensation of precipitation. The present trend of scientific thought is toward the theory of ions. The ion differs from the molecule, the corpuscle and the atom in that it is an ion. A fifth theory is held by idiots, but it is doubtful if they know any more about the matter than the others.
The Devil's Dictionary, by Ambrose Bierce, 1911 (About)The ultimate, indivisible unit of matter. It is distinguished from the corpuscle, also the ultimate, indivisible unit of matter, by a closer resemblance to the atom, also the ultimate, indivisible unit of matter. Three great scientific theories of the structure of the universe are the molecular, the corpuscular and the atomic. A fourth affirms, with Haeckel, the condensation of precipitation of matter from ether -- whose existence is proved by the condensation of precipitation. The present trend of scientific thought is toward the theory of ions. The ion differs from the molecule, the corpuscle and the atom in that it is an ion. A fifth theory is held by idiots, but it is doubtful if they know any more about the matter than the others.
Noun
1. (physics and chemistry) the simplest structural unit of an element or compound
(hypernym) unit, building block
(hyponym) dipole molecule
(part-meronym) chain, chemical chain
(classification) physics, physical science, natural philosophy
2. (nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything
(synonym) atom, particle, corpuscle, mote, speck
(hypernym) material, stuff
(hyponym) grain
Molecule Definition from Business & Finance Dictionaries & Glossaries
the smallest part of a substance that can exist on its own. It usually consists of a group of atoms that are either different (e.g., water, HzO, consists of two atoms of hydrogen and one of oxygen) or that are alike (e.g., hydrogen, Ha, in which each molecule is made up of two atoms of hydrogen).
Molecule Definition from Science & Technology Dictionaries & Glossaries
The smallest physical unit of a substance that retains all the physical and chemical properties of that substance. It may consist of a single atom or of a group of atoms bonded together chemically.
Compare with atom and ion .The smallest particle of an element or compound that retains the chemical properties of the element or compound. A molecule is a collection of chemically bound atoms with characteristic composition and structure. Making or breaking bonds in a molecule changes it into a new molecule. Ionic compounds are not composed of molecules, because there is no distinct collection of ions that are chemically bound in the crystal.
A group of atoms held together by chemical forces. A molecule is the smallest unit of a compound that can exist by itself and retain all of its chemical properties.
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The smallest particle to which a compound can be reduced without losing its chemical identity.
The smallest portion that matter may be divided into and still retain all the properties of the original matter.
a group of atoms that are bound together by primary interatomic bonds.
A collection of two or more atoms, chemically bonded which act as a single unit.
Molecule Definition from Computer & Internet Dictionaries & Glossaries
two or more atoms bonded together.
Copyright © 2000 - 2006 IC Knowledge LLC. All rights reserved.Molecule Definition from Encyclopedia Dictionaries & Glossaries
A molecule is an electrically neutral group of two or more atoms held together by covalent chemical bonds. Molecules are distinguished from ions by their lack of electrical charge. However, in quantum physics, organic chemistry, and biochemistry, the term molecule is often used less strictly, also being applied to polyatomic ions.
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Molecule Definition from Society & Culture Dictionaries & Glossaries
Chemical combination of two or more atoms of the same chemical element (such as O2) or different chemical elements (such as H2O).
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The smallest division of a compound that still retains or exhibits all the properties of the substance.
Provided as a public service by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The smallest division of a compound that still retains or exhibits all the properties of the substance.
The smallest division of a compound that still retains or exhibits all the properties of the substance.
Molecule Definition from Entertainment & Music Dictionaries & Glossaries
Molecule Definition from Medicine Dictionaries & Glossaries
The smallest particle of a substance that has all of the physicaland chemical properties of that substance. Molecules are made up of one or more atoms. If they contain more than one atom, the atoms can be the same (an oxygen molecule has two oxygen atoms) or different (a water molecule has two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom). Biological molecules, such as proteins and DNA, can be made up of many thousands of atoms.
A Service of the National Cancer Institute.
a combination of two or more atoms that are chemically bonded. A molecule is the smallest unit of a compound that can exist by itself and retain all of its chemical properties.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ( About )
A group of atoms arranged to interact in a particular way; one molecule of any substance is the smallest physical unit of that particular substance.
a small physical unit made up of chemical substances such as proteins, sugars or fats. Molecules are the building blocks of a cell.
National Institutes of Health
The smallest unit of a substance that can exist alone and retain the character of that substance.
a small unit of matter made up of atoms. A molecule is the smallest unit of a substance that retains its unique characteristics.
Aegis
The smallest particle of a compound that has all the chemical properties of that compound. Molecules are made up of two or more atoms, either of the same element or of two or more different elements. Ionic compounds, such as common salt, are made up not of molecules, but of ions arranged in a crystalline structure. Unlike ions, molecules carry no electrical charge. Molecules differ in size and molecular weight as well as in structure.
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