molécule

molecule

noun mo-leh-KYUL Rare

Origin: French 'molécule' from Latin 'moles' (mass)

Usage Note

Molécule is the standard scientific term; its diminutive origin (petite masse) is largely forgotten. The adjective moléculaire (molecular) is common in biology and chemistry. La biologie moléculaire (molecular biology) is a key field name. The word is always feminine.

Examples

"Chaque molécule d'eau contient deux atomes d'hydrogène."

Natural Translation

Each water molecule contains two hydrogen atoms.

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