Word
molecule
Phoneticsmol·e·cule, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmɑɫəkˌjuɫ/
UK/mˈɒlɪkjˌuːl/
Definitions
01chemical unit
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science Technical
n. the smallest part of a chemical substance that can exist on its own, made of two or more atoms.
n. the smallest particle of a specific element or compound that retains its chemical properties, consisting of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.
“A water molecule is made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.”
“The researchers used an electron microscope to observe how each individual molecule reacted when exposed to the new catalyst.”
Usage
Countable noun in scientific contexts.
Synonyms
02a tiny amount
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Literary
n. a very small amount of something.
n. an infinitesimal or extremely small quantity of a substance or quality.
“There was not a single molecule of dust left in the clean room.”
“He did not possess a single molecule of common sense, despite his impressive academic credentials.”
Teaching tip
This sense is often used in negative sentences to emphasize that something is completely missing.
Real-World Examples
“I'm interested in how simple ingredients come together to form bigger and bigger molecules, including those that are building blocks of life.” “For decades, scientists generally assumed that fossilization destroyed the original organic molecules once present in bones, teeth, and other tissues.” “Nature takes tiny building blocks called atoms and molecules and packs them together to fill up space.” “The word hydrate means that water molecules are built into the material's structure.” Etymology
Borrowed from French molécule, from New Latin molecula (“a molecule”), diminutive of Latin moles (“a mass”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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