Molecularities

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Referring to the various properties and characteristics of molecules that contribute to their behavior in chemical reactions or interactions
2. Denoting the distinct states or qualities of molecular structures and how they influence physical or chemical phenomena
3. Describing the complexities and variations of molecular characteristics that can affect the nature and outcomes of substances and reactions

Etymology: "Molecularity" is a plain English formation: "molecular" with the suffix "-ity", which turns an adjective into a noun for a quality or state. The adjective itself is built from "molecule," a word that came into English from French "molécule," which in turn comes from New Latin "mōlēcula," a diminutive of Latin "mōles," meaning "mass" or "bulk." A molecule is thus, literally, a little mass. The noun "molecularity" is the plural form here, so it refers to several distinct qualities or features of molecules. In that sense the plural simply names the many ways in which molecular structure and behaviour can be described, each one a separate aspect rather than a single concept.