molecule

molecule /mol·e·cule/ (mol´ĕ-kūl) a small mass of matter; the smallest amount of a substance which can exist alone; an aggregation of atoms, specifically a chemical combination of two or more atoms forming a specific chemical substance.molec´ular

---

mol·e·cule (ml-kyl)

n.

The smallest particle into which an element or a compound can be divided without changing its chemical and physical properties; a group of atoms that is held together chemically.

---

molecule

[mol′əkyo̅o̅l]

Etymology: L, molecula, small mass

the smallest unit that exhibits the properties of an element or compound. A molecule is composed of two or more atoms that are covalently bonded. See also atom, compound.

---

molecule,

n the smallest unit of a chemical compound; comprises atoms joined with chemical bonds. See also atom and compound.

---

molecule,

n a unit of matter that is the smallest particle of an element or chemical combination of atoms (as a compound) capable of retaining chemical identity with the substance in mass.

---

molecule

a group of atoms joined by chemical bonds; the smallest amount of a substance that possesses its characteristic properties.