molecule
/'mɔlikju:l/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- (Non-technical usage) A tiny piece of anything: A very small particle or amount of a substance.
- (Physics and Chemistry) The simplest structural unit of an element or compound: The smallest particle of a substance that retains all the chemical properties of that substance. It is composed of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.
Examples of Usage
Non-technical usage:
- There wasn't a molecule of truth in his story. (His story was completely false.)
- A molecule of dust floated in the sunbeam. (A tiny speck of dust was visible.)
Physics and Chemistry usage:
- A water molecule consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. (H₂O is the chemical formula for water.)
- Oxygen gas in the air exists as a diatomic molecule, O₂. (Two oxygen atoms are bonded together.)
Advanced Usage
- "Polar molecule": A molecule in which the distribution of electrons between the atoms is uneven, creating a positive end and a negative end.
- Water is a polar molecule, which is why it is such a good solvent.
- "Molecular structure": The specific arrangement of atoms within a molecule.
- The drug's effectiveness depends on its complex molecular structure.
Variants and Related Words
- Molecular (adj): Relating to or consisting of molecules.
- The scientist studied the molecular weight of the compound.
- Diatomic molecule (n): A molecule composed of only two atoms.
- Nitrogen gas (N₂) is a common diatomic molecule.
Synonyms
- Particle: A minute portion of matter.
- Speck: A tiny spot or particle.
Related Phrases
- "Not a molecule of [something]": An idiom used for emphasis to mean "not even the smallest amount."
- He didn't show a molecule of remorse for his actions. (He showed no remorse at all.)
Noun
- (nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything
- (physics and chemistry) the simplest structural unit of an element or compound