# molecule

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈmɒl.ɪ.kjuːl/ · frequency rank #11,746

## Definitions
1. The smallest particle of a specific element or compound that retains the chemical properties of that element or compound; two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.
2. A tiny amount.

## Etymology
Borrowed from French molécule, from New Latin molecula (“a molecule”), diminutive of Latin moles (“a mass”).

## Easily confused with
- **molecular** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/molecular-vs-molecule)

## Common misspellings (11)
`mloecule`, `mmolecule`, `moelcule`, `molceule`, `moleccule`, `moleclue`, `molecuel`, `moleculle`, `moleucle`, `mollecule`, `omlecule`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/molecule