molecular orbital

noun

: a solution of the Schrödinger equation that describes the probable location of an electron relative to the nuclei in a molecule and so indicates the nature of any bond in which the electron is involved

Examples of molecular orbital in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Each floor has a single room representing one of these locations, or molecular orbitals. Tracy H. Schloemer, IEEE Spectrum, 19 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'molecular orbital.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of molecular orbital was in 1932

Dictionary Entries Near molecular orbital

Cite this Entry

“Molecular orbital.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/molecular%20orbital. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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