molecular

adjective

mo·​lec·​u·​lar mə-ˈle-kyə-lər How to pronounce molecular (audio)
Synonyms of molecularnext
1
: of, relating to, consisting of, or produced by molecules
molecular oxygen
2
: of or relating to individual or small components
a molecular view of the American Civil War
molecularly
mə-ˈle-kyə-lər-lē How to pronounce molecular (audio)
adverb

Examples of molecular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
All Cottonball treatments also include both high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid. — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 2026 The scientists tracked matter loss by following the movements of molecular hydrogen, one of the most common molecules in protoplanetary disks. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026 The low-molecular-weight collagen seeps into your skin as an in-office treatment would, reducing the size of pores and lifting saggy, crepey skin. — Essence Wiley, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026 Patricia Simner, who directs the clinical-microbiology molecular laboratory at the Mayo Clinic, told me that some genetic libraries of pathogens are painstakingly curated for accuracy, but others are peppered with inaccuracies. — Jason Liebowitz, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for molecular

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of molecular was in 1770

Phrases Containing molecular

Rhymes for molecular

See All Rhymes for molecular

Browse Nearby Words

molecula
molecular
molecular beam
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Molecular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/molecular. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

molecular

adjective
mo·​lec·​u·​lar mə-ˈlek-yə-lər How to pronounce molecular (audio)
: of, relating to, or produced by molecules

Medical Definition

molecular

adjective
mo·​lec·​u·​lar mə-ˈlek-yə-lər How to pronounce molecular (audio)
1
: of, relating to, consisting of, or produced by molecules
molecular oxygen
2
: relating to or emphasizing individual responses or structures of behavior
proceed by more and more detailed analysis to the molecular facts of perception—G. A. Miller
compare molar entry 3 sense 2
molecularity
-ˌlek-yə-ˈlar-ət-ē How to pronounce molecular (audio)
noun
plural molecularities
molecularly
mə-ˈlek-yə-lər-lē How to pronounce molecular (audio)
adverb

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