Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
molecule
noun
/ˈmɒlɪkjuːl/
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Definition
A molecule is the smallest unit of a chemical compound that retains its chemical properties.
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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.
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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.
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Synonyms
- Compound
- Particle
- Unit