molecular
UK: məˈlekjʊlə | US: məˈlekjələr
adj. relating to or consisting of molecules
adj. of or pertaining to the structure or behavior of molecules
molecular = mole<mass, small unit> + cul<small> + ar<adjective suffix>
- mole (from Latin moles, meaning "mass" or "barrier," later specialized to mean "small unit" in chemistry)
- cul (diminutive suffix from Latin -culus, indicating smallness)
- ar (adjective-forming suffix from Latin -aris, meaning "pertaining to")
Etymology Origin:
The word molecular traces back to the Latin moles (mass) combined with the diminutive -culus, forming molecula (a tiny mass). Over time, molecule emerged in scientific contexts to describe the smallest unit of a chemical compound. The suffix -ar was added to create the adjective molecular, emphasizing relation to molecules. This evolution reflects the scientific need to describe microscopic structures with precision.
The molecular structure of water consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
Scientists study molecular interactions to develop new medicines.
This microscope can reveal molecular details invisible to the naked eye.
The molecular weight of the compound was calculated precisely.
Advances in molecular biology have revolutionized genetics research.