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Webster 1913 Edition

Molecule

Mol′e-cule

,
Noun.
[Dim. fr. L.
moles
a mass: cf. F.
molécule
. See 3d
Mole
.]
1.
One of the very small invisible particles of which all ordinary 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
.

Webster 1828 Edition

Molecule

MO'LECULE

,
Noun.
A very minute particle of matter. Molecules are elementary, constituent, or integrant. The latter result from the union of the elementary.

Definition 2024

molecule

molecule

See also: molécule

English

Diagrams showing the structure of the caffeine molecule.

Noun

molecule ‎(plural molecules or moleculæ)

  1. (chemistry) The smallest particle of a specific element or compound that retains the chemical properties of that element or compound; two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.
    Hydrogen chloride is a diatomic molecule, consisting of a hydrogen atom and a chlorine atom‎.
    • 2013 September-October, Katie L. Burke, “In the News”, in American Scientist:
      The critical component of the photosynthetic system is the “water-oxidizing complex”, made up of manganese atoms and a calcium atom. This system splits water molecules and delivers some of their electrons to other molecules that help build up carbohydrates.
  2. A tiny amount.

Synonyms

  • See also Wikisaurus:molecule
  • (small amount): see also Wikisaurus:modicum.

Meronyms

Hyponyms

Related terms

Translations

Etymology

Summary: from French molécule, from New Latin molecula ‎(“a molecule”), diminutive of Latin moles ‎(“a mass”); see mole.

French molécule (1674, Pierre Le Gallois, Conversations tirées de l'Académie de M. l'abbé Bourdelot, contenant diverses recherches et observations physiques) cited in Quemada, Bernard (1965), Datations et documents lexicographiques (tome 3).

Medieval Latin molecula (early XVII cent., Pierre Gassendi), cited in Le Grand Robert de la Langue Française (2e édn) tome 6. ISBN 2-85036-094-5. pp. 522–23. Diminutive of moles

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