molecule
n. countablen. the smallest piece of a chemical substance that can exist on its own. It is made of two or more atoms joined together.
n. the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound that retains its chemical properties. It consists of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.
A water molecule is made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
When water boils, the heat energy causes the liquid molecules to move faster and spread apart into a gas.
Researchers engineered a synthetic molecule capable of binding to the virus's surface proteins, effectively neutralizing its ability to infect healthy cells during the initial stages of exposure.
Borrowed from French molécule, from New Latin molecula (“a molecule”), diminutive of Latin moles (“a mass”).