molecule
Meaning: The smallest unit of a chemical compound that retains its chemical properties, consisting of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.
Molecules range from simple structures like water (H₂O, three atoms) to extraordinarily complex ones like DNA (billions of atoms). The adjective 'molecular' is widely used in compound terms such as molecular biology, molecular weight, and molecular gastronomy. In everyday language, 'molecule' is sometimes used figuratively to mean the smallest possible unit of something.
Examples
- A water molecule consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. 水分子由两个氢原子和一个氧原子键合而成。Una molécula de agua está formada por dos átomos de hidrógeno unidos a un átomo de oxígeno.水分子は2つの水素原子が1つの酸素原子に結合して構成される。물 분자는 두 개의 수소 원자가 하나의 산소 원자에 결합하여 이루어진다.
- Molecular biology examines the processes of life at the level of individual molecules. 分子生物学在单个分子层面研究生命过程。La biología molecular estudia los procesos vitales a nivel de moléculas individuales.分子生物学は個々の分子レベルで生命のプロセスを研究する。분자생물학은 개별 분자 수준에서 생명의 과정을 연구한다.
- The chemist designed a new molecule that could bind to the receptor site of the virus. 该化学家设计了一种能够与病毒受体位点结合的新分子。El químico diseñó una nueva molécula capaz de unirse al sitio receptor del virus.その化学者はウイルスの受容体部位に結合できる新しい分子を設計した。그 화학자는 바이러스의 수용체 부위에 결합할 수 있는 새로운 분자를 설계했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From French molécule, a diminutive of Latin moles (mass). Introduced into scientific discourse in the 17th century to describe the smallest particles of a substance.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
More From This Topic
More from General Advanced
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free