Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
dipole molecule

dipole molecule

7.4
A molecule with one end always positive and the other always negative
  • noun
  • /ˈdaɪpoʊl ˈmɒlɪkjuːl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : molécula dipolo
  • Water is a classic example of a dipole molecule because it has a permanent separation of electric charge.

Examples

  • Water is a classic example of a dipole molecule because it has a significant separation of charge.

  • A dipole molecule has both a positive and a negative end.

  • Ammonia acts as a dipole molecule due to the electronegativity difference between nitrogen and hydrogen.

  • The behavior of a dipole molecule in an electric field is different from that of a nonpolar molecule.

  • Water is a common dipole molecule.

  • Ammonia acts as a dipole molecule due to the difference in electronegativity between nitrogen and hydrogen.

  • The behavior of a dipole molecule in an electric field illustrates how its positive and negative ends interact with charges.

Synonyms

dipole
vsdipole molecule
  • Specialized
1 8.2

Two opposite electric charges or magnetic poles close together

is specific to permanent electric charge separation within a chemical structure
electric dipole
vsdipole molecule
  • Specialized
7.4

Two equal but opposite electric charges that are close together

is a chemical structure with a permanent internal charge separation
electric doublet
vsdipole molecule
  • Specialized
8.7

A pair of equal electric charges, one positive and one negative, close together like a water molecule

is the same separation but occurring permanently within a chemical structure

How Polar

dipole molecule
  • Specialized
7.4
polar
  • Specialized
10 6.4
nonpolar
  • Specialized
6.7

Surface Forms

dipole molecule singular
dipole molecules plural

Morphology

dipole + molecule

The meaning 'a molecule with separated opposite charges' is directly and compositionally derived from 'dipole' (two opposite charges/poles separated) combined with 'molecule' (a bonded atomic unit). This is a literal scientific noun–noun compound following regular compositional patterns, so a learner who knows both constituents can infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Dipole molecule describes a tiny molecule with two opposite ends, like a small bar magnet: one end is 'positive' and the other is 'negative'. That's why it turns or moves in an electric field and behaves differently from molecules without opposite ends.