molecule

Pronunciation: /ˈmɑ.lɪ.kjul/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun (physics and chemistry) the simplest structural unit of an element or compound
  2. noun (nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything

Etymology

Borrowed from French molécule, from New Latin molecula (“a molecule”), diminutive of Latin moles (“a mass”).

In classic literature

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
unit
Narrower (hyponyms)
macromolecule, dipole molecule, protein molecule, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, coenzyme

A single word — an entire dictionary opens.

Type a word, a sentence, a book title, or a link to an English article. WordNet and the Classics answer.

Try

A library of classics · a vault of words · instant etymology & meaning

Continue reading

Nice save! Solidify it with review →