Molecule Definition

mŏlĭ-kyo͝ol

molecules

noun

molecules

The smallest particle of an element or compound that can exist in the free state and still retain the characteristics of the element or compound: the molecules of elements consist of one atom or two or more similar atoms; those of compounds consist of two or more different atoms.

Webster's New World

A small particle.

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

Other Word Forms of Molecule

Noun

Singular:

molecule

Plural:

molecules

Origin of Molecule

French molécule (1674, Pierre Le Gallois, Conversations tirées de l'Académie de M. l'abbé Bourdelot, contenant diverses recherches et observations physiques) cited in Quemada, Bernard (1965), Datations et documents lexicographiques (tome 3).

From Wiktionary
Medieval Latin molecula (early XVII cent., Pierre Gassendi), cited in Le Grand Robert de la Langue Française (2e édn) tome 6. ISBN 2-85036-094-5. pp. 522-23. Diminutive of moles

From Wiktionary
Summary: from French molécule, from New Latin molecula (“a molecule"), diminutive of Latin moles (“a mass"); see mole.

From Wiktionary
French molécule from New Latin mōlēcula diminutive of Latin mōlēs mass

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition