molecular formula
1
4.1
- noun
- /məˈlɛkjələr ˈfɔrmələ/
- Specialized
:
fórmula molecular
- Chemists often write the molecular formula C2H5OH for ethanol to indicate its composition.
Examples
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To analyze the compound, determine its molecular formula H2O, which reveals the exact ratio of elements.
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What is the molecular formula of yominum sulphide crystals?
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The molecular formula C6H12O6 represents glucose, a simple sugar used by living organisms.
Synonyms
3
3.6
Symbols that show which elements are in a substance and how many of each
How Systematic
- Specialized
10
8.6
- Specialized
- Specialized
- Specialized
1
4.1
- Specialized
7
6.2
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a formula describing the number and kinds of atoms in a molecule' is directly and transparently derived from 'molecular' (about molecules) combined with 'formula' (a symbolic representation). This is a straightforward modifier+noun composition that is cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Molecular formula is like a tiny 'recipe' for one molecule: molecular points to the molecule and formula is the short list of parts. It shows the exact number and types of atoms in a single molecule, so it tells 'what a molecule is made of'.