Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Linus Carl Pauling: An American chemist and peace activist. He is renowned for his groundbreaking research into the nature of chemical bonds, particularly the application of quantum mechanics to chemistry. He also made significant contributions to molecular biology and was a prominent advocate for nuclear disarmament. He is one of the few individuals to have been awarded two unshared Nobel Prizes.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Linus Carl Pauling won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1954 for his research into the nature of the chemical bond.
  • The theories of Linus Carl Pauling fundamentally changed our understanding of molecular structure.
  • In addition to his scientific work, Linus Carl Pauling was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his activism.

Advanced Usage

• "Pauling's rules": A set of principles formulated by Linus Pauling to predict and explain the crystal structures of complex ionic compounds.

  • Geologists use Pauling's rules to understand the atomic arrangement in minerals.

• "Pauling scale": A scale of electronegativity, developed by Linus Pauling, which quantifies the tendency of an atom to attract a bonding pair of electrons.

  • Fluorine has the highest value on the Pauling scale of electronegativity.

Variants and Related Words

• Pauling (noun): A common shortened reference to Linus Carl Pauling.

  • Pauling was a leading figure in 20th-century science.

• Paulingite (noun): A rare zeolite mineral named in honor of Linus Pauling.

  • The crystal structure of paulingite is exceptionally complex.

Synonyms

• Scientist: A person engaged in a systematic activity to acquire knowledge.
• Chemist: An expert in chemistry.
• Peace activist: A person who campaigns for peace, especially one opposed to war or nuclear weapons.

Related Phrases

• Chemical bond: The physical phenomenon of chemical substances being held together by attraction of atoms to each other through sharing or exchange of electrons.
• Molecular biology: The branch of biology that deals with the structure and function of the macromolecules essential to life.
• Vitamin C advocacy: Pauling's later, controversial promotion of high-dose vitamin C (ascorbic acid) for preventing the common cold and other illnesses.
  • Linus Pauling's vitamin C advocacy was met with skepticism by many in the medical community.

Noun

1. United States chemist who studied the nature of chemical bonding (1901-1994)