Molecular Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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molecular

[mษ™หˆlษ›kjสŠlษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

chemistry

Relating to or consisting of molecules.

Synonyms

molecularly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
molecular

This term is used when discussing the properties, structures, or interactions of molecules. It's commonly found in scientific contexts, particularly in chemistry and biology.

  • The molecular structure of water consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
  • Scientists are studying the molecular mechanisms of disease.
molecularly

This adverb is used to describe actions or characteristics that pertain to or occur at the level of molecules. It often modifies verbs or adjectives in scientific discussions.

  • The substance was analyzed molecularly to determine its purity.
  • Molecularly engineered organisms have genes that have been altered at the molecular level.

Examples of usage

  • The molecular structure of water consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom.
  • Molecular biology studies the molecular mechanisms of biological processes.
  • Scientists use molecular models to visualize the structure of complex molecules.
Context #2 | Adjective

biology

Relating to or existing at the level of individual molecules.

Synonyms

molecularly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
molecular

Used to describe something related to or composed of molecules.

  • The researchers are studying molecular structures of various compounds.
  • We need to analyze the molecular composition of this substance.
molecularly

Used as an adverb to describe actions or characteristics on a molecular level.

  • The medicine works molecularly to target specific cells.
  • Molecularly, the two substances are very similar despite their different appearances.

Examples of usage

  • The molecular basis of genetics refers to the study of genes at the molecular level.
  • Molecular medicine focuses on understanding diseases at the molecular level.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Molecules are made up of atoms that are bonded together, forming everything from water to DNA.
  • The study of molecules is crucial in fields like chemistry, biology, and medicine, helping us understand life and reactions.
  • Some molecules, like proteins, play vital roles in biology, acting as enzymes and structural components in cells.

Pop Culture

  • In the movie 'Honey, I Shrunk the Kids', the characters experience a world of small and fascinating molecules when they are shrunk.
  • Marvel's 'Ant-Man' explores the concept of shrinking to molecular sizes, bringing science and adventure together.

Technology

  • Nanotechnology manipulates matter at the molecular level, leading to breakthroughs in medicine, electronics, and materials science.
  • Molecular modeling helps scientists visualize and predict the structure of molecules, aiding in drug design and materials discovery.

Education

  • Learning about molecules is a key part of chemistry education, laying the foundation for understanding complex biological systems.
  • Many students engage in hands-on activities to visualize molecular structures using models or computer simulations.

Origin of 'molecular'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'moles', meaning 'a mass', combined with the suffix '-cular', which means 'little'.
  • It was first used in the early 19th century in scientific contexts to describe the smallest units of chemical compounds.

The word 'molecular' originated from the Latin word 'molecula', which means a small mass. It was first used in the early 19th century to describe the smallest particle of a substance that retains the chemical properties of that substance. The field of molecular science has since evolved to encompass a wide range of disciplines, from chemistry to biology, all studying the properties and interactions of molecules.


See also: macromolecule, molecularly.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,134, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.