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Glite Dictionary
supramolecular

supramolecular

1 9.4
Relating to structures made when two or more molecules join together
  • adjective
  • /ˌsuːprəˈmoʊlɪkjələr/
  • Specialized
: supramolecular
  • In both cases, a transient change can lead to the onset or decay of a more lasting change. Supramolecular Complexes.
  • supramolecular chemistry
  • supramolecular complexes

Examples

  • Jean-Marie Lehn argues that the level of supramolecular chemistry is the first level at which biological information becomes effective, and adaptive evolution is possible.

    Academic text (2006)

  • In supramolecular chemistry, the interactions between molecules lead to novel materials.

  • Hydrogen bonds are essential in the stabilization of molecular and supramolecular structures in biological systems.

    Blog text (22)

  • Using our method, it will soon be possible to study hydrogen bonds in key fragments of toxic oligomers that will assist in solving their supramolecular structures.

    Blog text (22)

  • The study of supramolecular structures allows scientists to develop new materials with unique properties.

  • Researchers are exploring supramolecular assemblies that can improve drug delivery systems.

How Complex

supramolecular
  • Specialized
1 9.4
macromolecular
  • Specialized
1 7.3
molecular
  • Specialized
136 4.6

Surface Forms

supramolecular positive

Morphology

supramolecular = molecular (semi-transparent) = supra + molecule + ar

The prefix 'supra-' is a technical combining form meaning 'above' or 'beyond' and may be unfamiliar to general B1 learners, so the relation to 'molecular' is only partially guessable.

Etymology

Supramolecular comes from supra- meaning 'above' or 'beyond', like the familiar word 'super', and molecular from molecule, a tiny particle. So supramolecular describes structures that are 'above' a single molecule — larger things formed when many molecules join together.