POLYATOMIC Meaning and
Definition
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Polyatomic is an adjective that refers to the existence or composition of a molecule or ion that contains multiple atoms bonded together. The term is derived from the Greek words "poly," meaning many, and "atomic," referring to the fundamental units of matter.
In chemistry, the concept of polyatomic is often used to describe complex molecular or ionic species, which are made up of two or more atoms. These atoms are connected through chemical bonds, forming a cohesive unit. Unlike simple, or monatomic, species such as individual atoms or monoatomic ions, polyatomic entities exhibit more intricate structures due to the presence of multiple atoms.
Polyatomic ions are particularly important in chemistry as they are electrically charged entities. They consist of two or more atoms that are bound together by a shared electron and carry an overall positive or negative charge. Common examples include the carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻) or the ammonium ion (NH₄⁺).
Polyatomic molecules, on the other hand, can be made up of several different elements or a combination of the same element. Examples of polyatomic molecules include water (H₂O), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆).
Overall, the term polyatomic is used to describe the distinctive feature of chemical species that consist of multiple atoms held together by chemical bonds, whether in the form of ions or molecules.
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Noting a chemical compound having a valency greater than two, or containing more than two replaceable hydrogen atoms.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for POLYATOMIC
- oolyatomic
- lolyatomic
- -olyatomic
- 0olyatomic
- pilyatomic
- pklyatomic
- pllyatomic
- pplyatomic
- p0lyatomic
- p9lyatomic
- pokyatomic
- popyatomic
- pooyatomic
- poltatomic
- polgatomic
- polhatomic
- poluatomic
- pol7atomic
- pol6atomic
- polyatmic
- ployatomic
- Polystoma
- polystomim
Etymology of POLYATOMIC
The word polyatomic is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: poly, meaning many, and atomic, derived from atomos, meaning indivisible or uncut. In chemistry, polyatomic refers to a molecule or ion composed of more than two atoms tightly bonded together. Thus, the term polyatomic literally translates to many atoms or consisting of many atoms.
Similar spelling word for POLYATOMIC
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