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molecular

adj.
US //məˈɫɛkjəɫɝ// UK //məlˈɛkjʊlɐ// molec·u·lar
  1. 1 relating to molecules (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    relating to or consisting of molecules, the tiny particles that make up substances.

    pertaining to or consisting of molecules; used to describe physical or chemical properties at the level of molecular structure.

    Example

    Scientists are studying the molecular structure of the new medicine.

    Example

    The researchers analysed the molecular bonds within the polymer to determine why the material became brittle under extreme cold.

  2. 2 molecular biology/genetics (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Technical Science

    relating to the study of living things at the level of their smallest parts, like DNA.

    relating to the branch of biology that deals with the structure and function of the macromolecules essential to life.

    Example

    Molecular biology helps us understand how diseases pass from parents to children.

    Example

    Advances in molecular genetics have allowed clinicians to identify specific markers for hereditary conditions with unprecedented precision.

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  1. 3 molecular gastronomy (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Cooking

    a style of cooking that uses scientific tools and chemistry to change how food looks and feels.

    relating to a modern style of cooking that investigates the physical and chemical transformations of ingredients during preparation.

    Example

    The chef used molecular techniques to turn olive oil into a powder.

    Example

    The restaurant gained fame for its molecular gastronomy, serving dishes like transparent ravioli and fruit-flavoured foams that defied traditional expectations.

Origin

From molecule + -ar.

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