molecule — the 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.

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.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
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
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“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.”
“The pharmaceutical company spent years designing molecules that could target specific diseases.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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