Molecule: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term comes from the Latin 'moles', which means mass or mound, suggesting something that has volume.
• The prefix 'mole-' is derived from the diminutive form, indicating something very small.
• The concept first emerged in the 19th century, largely influenced by chemists like Avogadro.

Science

• Molecules are made up of atoms, and they can be simple like oxygen (O2) or complex like proteins.
• All living organisms, including you, are composed of millions of molecules working together.
• Chemical reactions involve the breaking and forming of bonds between molecules, allowing for changes in matter.

Pop Culture

• In popular media, molecules often represent the unseen forces that govern our world, such as in the film 'Fantastic Voyage'.
• The toy brand LEGO has even created sets that let children build models of molecules to inspire interest in science.
• Documentaries exploring the inner workings of life often feature the dynamics of molecules to explain complex biological processes.

History

• In the early 1800s, John Dalton proposed a 'atomic theory' that laid the groundwork for understanding molecules as combinations of atoms.
• The first successful model of a molecule was proposed by J.J. Thomson, who discovered the electron in 1897.
• The determination of the structure of DNA in 1953 by Watson and Crick was a groundbreaking moment in understanding complex molecules vital for life.

Technology

• Nanotechnology utilizes molecules to create advanced materials, influencing electronics and medicine.
• Researchers are exploring the use of molecules in drug delivery systems that target specific cells in cancer treatment.
• Molecular modeling software helps scientists visualize and simulate the behavior of molecular structures, paving the way for new discoveries.

With rank #4,794, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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