molecular

adjective

mo·​lec·​u·​lar mə-ˈle-kyə-lər 

1

: of, relating to, consisting of, or produced by molecules

molecular oxygen

2

: of or relating to individual or small components

a molecular view of the American Civil War

molecularly

mə-ˈle-kyə-lər-lē 

adverb

Examples of molecular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Organisms vulnerable to infection Immune systems rely on recognizing specific molecular shapes found in invading bacteria. —Katie Hunt, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024

The profound consequences start at a molecular level. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Dec. 2024

Lindsey and colleagues used high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to assess molecular makeup of soluble compounds like caffeine and chlorogenic acids. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 11 Dec. 2024

While the ultrasound scans provide insight into the physical condition of the whale sharks, the skin and tissue samples offer a closer look at what may be happening on a cellular and molecular level. —Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing molecular

• gram molecular weight
• molecular biology
• molecular chaperone
• molecular formula
• molecular genetics
• molecular mass
• molecular orbital
• molecular sieve
• molecular weight

Kids Definition

molecular

adjective

mo·​lec·​u·​lar mə-ˈlek-yə-lər 

: of, relating to, or produced by molecules

Medical Definition

molecular

adjective

mo·​lec·​u·​lar mə-ˈlek-yə-lər 

1

: of, relating to, consisting of, or produced by molecules

molecular oxygen

2

: relating to or emphasizing individual responses or structures of behavior

proceed by more and more detailed analysis to the molecular facts of perception

—G. A. Miller

compare molar entry 3 sense 2

molecularity

-ˌlek-yə-ˈlar-ət-ē 

noun

plural molecularities

molecularly

mə-ˈlek-yə-lər-lē 

adverb