molecular
muh-LEK-yuh-ler
/məˈlɛkjələr/
Relating to or consisting of molecules.
Often used to describe the level at which chemical reactions and biological processes are understood.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'moles' (mass) plus the diminutive suffix '-cula', meaning 'a tiny mass'. It was coined in the 17th century but didn't take its modern chemical meaning until the 19th century.
Word relationships
- particulate: Refers more generally to small particles, not necessarily molecules.
- atomic: Refers to the smaller level of individual atoms rather than groups of them.
Commonly confused with
- atomic: Molecular involves groups of atoms bonded together; atomic involves single atoms.
Word family
- molecule (noun): The smallest unit of a chemical compound.
Collocations
- molecular biology
- molecular weight
- molecular structure
- molecular level
Example sentences
- "Molecular biology has revolutionized our understanding of how genetic information is stored and transmitted." A textbook on biology and genetics.
- "The researchers achieved a high level of control over the molecular structure of the polymer." A report on new material synthesis.
Memory hook
Think of a 'Molecule' as a 'Mole' (small animal) that is 'Cool' and tiny. Tiny mass, big impact.
When not to use
Avoid when discussing individual atoms (use 'atomic') or large-scale physical structures (use 'structural').
Fun facts
- There are more molecules in a glass of water than there are glasses of water in all the Earth's oceans.
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