molecule

noun

mol·​e·​cule ˈmä-li-ˌkyül 

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 honesty

—Time

Synonyms

• atom
• bit
• crumb
• dribble
• fleck
• flyspeck
• grain
• granule
• morsel
• mote
• nubbin
• nugget
• particle
• patch
• scrap
• scruple
• snip
• snippet
• speck
• tittle

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

New research by Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, has identified a naturally occurring fat molecule, lipoxin A4 or LXA4, that can switch off the body’s inflammatory response, preventing chronic inflammation and improving heart function in diabetics. —New Atlas, 29 Nov. 2024

Adhesion molecules are proteins that allow cells to stick to one another and their surroundings. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 25 Nov. 2024

When exposed to heat and moisture, these molecules expand, soften, and begin to lose their structure, releasing starch. —Mary Claire Britton, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2024

The paper , a small molecule with the formula ClN2O2 and the structure Cl-N-NO2. —Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2024

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

Kids Definition

molecule

noun

mol·​e·​cule ˈmäl-i-ˌkyü(ə)l 

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 

: the smallest particle of a substance that retains all the properties of the substance and is composed of one or more atoms