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

Higher than normal levels of the hormone inhibit the production of molecules called cytokines, which are responsible for triggering the body’s healing process and dampening down inflammation. —Georgia Day, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2024

For those who prefer to grind gravel and bound over boulders while surrounded by luxurious napa leather — and can’t imagine emitting even a single molecule of carbon dioxide while doing so — the fully electric Mercedes G-Wagen is for you. —Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 24 Apr. 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