molecule

noun

mol·​e·​cule ˈmä-li-ˌkyül How to pronounce molecule (audio)
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 honestyTime

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This briny water would have been an ideal place for new chemical reactions to take place and for organic molecules to form. Ars Technica, 30 Jan. 2025 Similar organic molecules, including amino acids, have been detected in meteorites before, but these fragments of space rocks are imperfect specimens because they are studied after enduring fiery trips through Earth's atmosphere. Denise Chow, NBC News, 29 Jan. 2025 What to Know Bennu, a carbon-rich asteroid formed as part of a parent body approximately 4.5 billion years ago, has long intrigued researchers due to its potential to harbor traces of water and organic molecules. Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 Fewer small molecule drugs will likely mean fewer cheaper generic versions of them on the market in the U.S., Eli Lilly’s Ricks said during the conference. Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 26 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for molecule 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of molecule was in 1701

Dictionary Entries Near molecule

Cite this Entry

“Molecule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/molecule. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

molecule

noun
mol·​e·​cule ˈmäl-i-ˌkyü(ə)l How to pronounce molecule (audio)
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 How to pronounce molecule (audio)
: the smallest particle of a substance that retains all the properties of the substance and is composed of one or more atoms

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