Skip to main content

moleculethe smallest unit of a chemical compound that can exist while retaining all of its chemical properties

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: the smallest unit of a chemical compound that can exist while retaining all of its chemical properties

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmɑːlɪkjuːl/

Example Sentences

  • The chef claimed his secret sauce had molecules that could make anyone fall in love.
  • Scientists discovered that chocolate molecules activate the same brain regions as falling in love.
  • My chemistry teacher said we're all just walking collections of molecules trying to understand ourselves.

molecule

NOUN

[/ˈmɑːlɪkjuːl/]

the smallest unit of a chemical compound that can exist while retaining all of its chemical properties

The scientist combined different atoms to create a brand-new molecule during the experiment.
💡 Concept

The scientist combined different atoms to create a brand-new molecule during the experiment.

The children connected colorful cubes to build one giant molecule together. (MOLECULE = MINI CUBES MAKE ONE)
🧠 Mnemonic

The children connected colorful cubes to build one giant molecule together. (MOLECULE = MINI CUBES MAKE ONE)

Atoms bonded into a molecule, and molecules combined to form a compound.
🎵 Rhyme

Atoms bonded into a molecule, and molecules combined to form a compound.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈmɑːlɪkjuːl/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈmɒlɪkjuːl/

🌳Etymology

Rootmol-
Suffix--ecule

Origin

The word molecule derives from French molécule, which in turn comes from Latin moles, meaning 'mass' or 'heap'. It was adopted by 18th-century scientists to describe the fundamental structural units of matter.

Breakdown

moles (mass, heap) + -cule (diminutive suffix), literally meaning 'small mass' or 'little heap'.

🎵Rhyme

ridiculeminuscule
ridicule
minuscule

🔗Collocations

water molecule
organic molecule
DNA molecule
complex molecule
protein molecule
split molecules

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

The chef claimed his secret sauce had molecules that could make anyone fall in love.

Scientists discovered that chocolate molecules activate the same brain regions as falling in love.

😄 Fun example

My chemistry teacher said we're all just walking collections of molecules trying to understand ourselves.

The pharmaceutical company spent years designing molecules that could target specific diseases.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

compoundparticleunitelementsubstance

Antonyms

macromoleculeaggregate

Related

atomchemistrymolecularbondstructurereaction

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.