Molecular Meaning, Examples, and Usage

Meaning 1：relating to molecules (molecular)

molecular 🔊

/məˈlɛkjʊlər/

adj.

related to molecules, the very tiny building blocks of things. It describes something that is about, made of, or happens at this tiny level.

Molecular model 3D illustration with scientist pointing in lab

relating to molecules 🔊

➕

/rɪˈleɪtɪŋ tuː ˈmɒlɪkjuːlz/

adj.

Relating to or consisting of molecules; occurring at the molecular level.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'molecula' (small mass) + '-ar' (relating to).

💡 Mnemonic

Mole-cue-lar: imagine a mole using tiny molecular tools to dig tunnels.

📖 Example

The scientist is studying the molecular composition of water to better understand how pollution affects it. 🔊 The scientist is studying the molecular composition of water to better understand how pollution affects it.

🔗 Collocations

molecular structure – The arrangement of atoms within a molecule.

molecular biology – The branch of biology dealing with the molecular basis of biological activity.

molecular weight – The mass of a molecule.

🔄 Synonyms

atomic (adj.) – Relating to atoms, the basic units of matter.

microscopic (adj.) – Extremely small, requiring a microscope to be seen.

🚫 Antonyms

macroscopic (adj.) – Visible to the naked eye; large-scale.

bulk (adj.) – Relating to material in large quantities, not at a molecular level.

large-scale (adj.) – Involving many elements or a wide scope, opposite of molecular.

🌱 Derivatives

molecularly (adv.) – In a manner involving molecules.

molecularity (n.) – The quality or state of being molecular.

📖 Cultural Story

Etymology: 'Molecule' from French 'molécule', Latin 'molecula' (small mass). Coined in 17th-century science to describe tiny particles.