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.
However, emerging research suggests that these neurons are not a unified group, but rather have distinct molecular identities. — Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026 Initially introduced in 2018, these are thin layers of molecules that act like molecular glue. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 14 Aug. 2026 Our claim is that aging is not so much molecular damage as a remodeling of the entire cell society. — Ingrid Wickelgren, Quanta Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026 Her mother, Lakshmi, is a molecular biologist who serves as a provost at UC San Diego. — Kate Andersen Brower, Vanity Fair, 12 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 16 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on molecular

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for molecular

Nglish: Translation of molecular for Spanish Speakers

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