molecule

noun

mol·​e·​cule ˈmä-li-ˌkyül How to pronounce molecule (audio)
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 honestyTime

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Your body uses tryptophan to synthesize several important molecules, including melatonin and serotonin. Merve Ceylan, Health, 12 May 2025 So, rather than showing chemical fingerprints that could indicate the presence of atmospheric molecules like carbon dioxide, methane or water vapor, the spectra of sub-Neptunes have generally offered little useful information. Victoria Corless, Space.com, 7 May 2025 Once nine of these gene clusters were identified, the DNA that would encode them was ordered and assembled into a single DNA molecule in yeast. ArsTechnica, 7 May 2025 So far, the rovers on Mars have found some organic molecules and chemical signatures that could have come from either abiotic − nonliving − sources or past life. Elisabeth M. Hausrath, The Conversation, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for molecule

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of molecule was in 1701

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Cite this Entry

“Molecule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/molecule. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

molecule

noun
mol·​e·​cule ˈmäl-i-ˌkyü(ə)l How to pronounce molecule (audio)
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 How to pronounce molecule (audio)
: the smallest particle of a substance that retains all the properties of the substance and is composed of one or more atoms

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