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Molecule - Dictionary Definition and Overview |
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Molecule : (noun)
1: (physics and chemistry) the simplest structural unit of an
element or compound
2: (nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything [syn: atom,
particle, corpuscle, mote, speck]
Based on WordNet 2.0
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Molecule : \Mol"e*cule\, n. [Dim. fr. L. moles a mass: cf. F.
mol['e]cule. See 3d Mole.]
1. One of the very small invisible particles of which all
matter is supposed to consist.
2. (Physics) The smallest part of any substance which
possesses the characteristic properties and qualities of
that substance, and which can exist alone in a free state.
3. (Chem.) A group of atoms so united and combined by
chemical affinity that they form a complete, integrated
whole, being the smallest portion of any particular
compound that can exist in a free state; as, a molecule of
water consists of two atoms of hydrogen and one of oxygen.
Cf. Atom.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
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Molecule : Molecule: The smallest unit of a substance that can exist alone and retain the character of that substance.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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