Molecule Meaning in English

word

US

ˈmɑɫəkˌjuɫ

MAH-luh-kyool

UK

mˈɒlɪkjˌuːl

MOL-ih-kyool

Definition

The smallest unit of a chemical substance that has all its properties, made up of two or more atoms joined together.

Usage & Nuances

Used mainly in scientific and academic contexts when talking about chemistry or biology. Always singular ('a molecule') or plural ('molecules'). Not to be confused with 'atom', which is smaller; a molecule contains atoms.

• Spanish: molécula
• Portuguese (BR): molécula
• Portuguese (PT): molécula
• Chinese (Simplified): 分子
• Chinese (Traditional): 分子
• Hindi: अणु
• Arabic: جزيء
• Bengali: অণু
• Russian: молекула
• Japanese: 分子
• Vietnamese: phân tử
• Korean: 분자
• Turkish: molekül
• Urdu: سالمہ
• Indonesian: molekul

Example Sentences

A water molecule has two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

basic

Every molecule in the air is too small to see.

basic

Salt is made of more than one type of molecule.

basic

If you split a molecule of oxygen, you get two oxygen atoms.

natural

Glucose is a molecule your body uses for energy.

natural

Scientists study how each molecule interacts with others in the body.

natural