molecular formula

noun, Chemistry

a chemical formula that indicates the kinds of atoms and the number of each kind in a molecule of a compound.

Compare empirical formula, structural formula.

Origin

1900-05

Examples from the web for molecular formula

The molecular formula doesn't tell how the atoms in a compound are arranged.

British Dictionary definitions for molecular formula

molecular formula

noun

a chemical formula indicating the numbers and types of atoms in a molecule: H2SO4 is the molecular formula of sulphuric acid Compare empirical formula, structural formula

molecular formula in Medicine

molecular formula n.
A chemical formula that shows the number and kinds of atoms in a molecule.

molecular formula in Science

molecular formula
A chemical formula that shows the total number and kinds of atoms in a molecule, but not their structural arrangement. For example, the molecular formula of aspirin is C₉H₈O₄. Compare empirical formula, structural formula.