molecular
/məˈlek.jʊ.lə/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Relating to molecules, which are the tiny parts that make up substances. It is used in science, especially chemistry, biology, and physics.
- Molecular structure affects how a substance behaves.
- She studied molecular biology at university.
- The medicine works at the molecular level.
Adinary Nuance
Use molecular when you mean something at the level of molecules, not just “small” or “basic.” It is more scientific than atomic in many everyday contexts, and more precise than chemical. Writers choose it when they want a technical, science-based word.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- phân tử
- Spanish
- molecular
- Chinese
- 分子的
- Japanese
- 分子の
- Korean
- 분자의
Etymology
From molecule, based on Latin moles meaning “mass.” The word entered English in the 19th century as science developed a deeper understanding of matter.
Common phrases
molecular structuremolecular levelmolecular biologymolecular weight
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is molecular a formal word?
- Yes. It is common in science and academic writing.
- What is the difference between molecular and atomic?
- Molecular means about molecules. Atomic means about atoms, which are smaller units.
- Can I use molecular in everyday English?
- Yes, but it usually sounds scientific or technical.
- What does molecular level mean?
- It means the very small level where molecules act and change.