molecule
A molecule is the smallest unit of a chemical substance that can exist independently while retaining its chemical properties. It consists of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.
Examples
3 of 5A single water molecule consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
One tiny unit of water is made of two hydrogens and one oxygen.
The researchers are studying how the molecule reacts under high pressure.
The scientists are examining the reaction of the chemical unit in high-pressure conditions.
There isn't a molecule of truth in what he just said.
There is absolutely no truth at all in his statement.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'Mole' (the small animal) and 'cule' (sounds like 'cool'). It's a 'cool small' piece of matter. Also, 'molecular' rhymes with 'particular'.
Quick Quiz
The scientist explained that a _____ of water consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
Correct!
The correct answer is: molecule
Examples
A single water molecule consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
everydayOne tiny unit of water is made of two hydrogens and one oxygen.
The researchers are studying how the molecule reacts under high pressure.
formalThe scientists are examining the reaction of the chemical unit in high-pressure conditions.
There isn't a molecule of truth in what he just said.
informalThere is absolutely no truth at all in his statement.
Organic molecules are the fundamental building blocks of all known life forms.
academicCarbon-based chemical units are the basic components of all life.
Our laboratory has patented a new molecule that could revolutionize skincare.
businessOur company has legally protected a new chemical compound for better skin products.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
at a molecular level
examining things at the scale of molecules
every molecule of one's being
with one's entire self or soul
not a molecule of
none at all; not a single bit
Often Confused With
An atom is the smallest unit of an element, while a molecule is a group of atoms bonded together.
A cell is the basic biological unit of life, which is much larger and contains trillions of molecules.
Usage Notes
Molecule is primarily a scientific term used in chemistry and physics. However, it is frequently used in common English as a hyperbolic way to say 'a very small amount' of something abstract, like 'truth' or 'common sense'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'molecule' when they mean 'atom'. Remember that a molecule is usually a combination of atoms (like H2 or H2O).
Memory Tip
Think of 'Mole' (the small animal) and 'cule' (sounds like 'cool'). It's a 'cool small' piece of matter. Also, 'molecular' rhymes with 'particular'.
Word Origin
From the French word 'molécule', which comes from the Latin 'moles' (mass) combined with a diminutive suffix, literally meaning 'a small mass'.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
The scientist explained that a _____ of water consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
Correct!
The correct answer is: molecule
Related Vocabulary
A fundamental part or characteristic that makes up a whole,...
bondTo develop a close connection or strong relationship with so...
chemistryChemistry is the branch of science that studies what things...
compoundDescribes something that is made of two or more separate par...
atomAn atom is the smallest possible part of a chemical element....
Related Words
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
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