Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
molecule
noun
/ˈmɒlɪkjuːl/
Definition
A molecule is the smallest unit of a chemical compound that retains its chemical properties.
Examples
- Water (H2O) is a molecule composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a molecule that consists of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms.
- Glucose is a simple sugar that serves as an important energy source and is a molecule found in many living organisms.
Meaning
Molecules are made up of two or more atoms that are bonded together through chemical bonds. They can be simple, like a molecule of oxygen (O2), or complex, like DNA.
Synonyms
- Compound
- Particle
- Unit
