molecule

(mol’ek-il) [L. molec’ula little ma ]. A very small ma of matter; an aggregation of atoms. The smallest particle of a substance in which its chemic features inhere, or the smallest particle of a substance which can exist by itself. To break up the molecule into its constituent atoms is to destroy its character. The number of atoms in a molecule varies with the compound. diatomic m., one containing two atoms. gram-m. See gram-molecule. hex atomic m., one containing six atoms. monatomic m., one which consists of a single atom. Of, pertaining to, or tetratomic m., a molecule made up of four atoms. triatomic m., one com of three atoms.