What does dipolar mean?
"Dipolar" is an adjective used chiefly in physics and chemistry to describe something that possesses two poles or exhibits the properties of a dipole — a structure in which equal but opposite electrical charges or magnetic poles are separated by some distance. The most familiar example is the water molecule: because oxygen pulls shared electrons more strongly than hydrogen does, water becomes dipolar, with a slightly negative side and slightly positive sides, giving it remarkable solvent properties. Dipolar appears in established scientific phrases such as "dipolar molecule," "dipolar bond," and "dipolar interaction." It derives from the Greek prefix "di-" (two) combined with Latin "polus" (pole), ultimately from Greek "polos" (axis, pivot). While closely related to "bipolar," which has broader and often psychological applications, "dipolar" remains a precise technical term reserved for describing physical polarity in molecular, atomic, or magnetic systems.
adjectiveHaving or relating to two poles, especially possessing or characterized by a dipole — a pair of equal and oppositely charged or magnetized poles separated by a distance.
- (Physics/Chemistry) Having two poles or exhibiting the properties of a dipole; possessing a separation of electric or magnetic charge into positive and negative regions.
"Water is a dipolar molecule, with its oxygen end slightly negative and its hydrogen ends slightly positive."
"Because water is dipolar, it readily dissolves ionic compounds like table salt."
"Dipolar interactions between molecules help determine the boiling point of many liquids."
The same dipolar nature that makes water a universal solvent also gives it its unusually high boiling point — without it, life as we know it wouldn't exist.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of dipolar
"Dipolar" combines the Greek-derived prefix "di-," meaning "two," with "polar," from Latin "polus" meaning "pole" or "axis," ultimately from Greek "polos." It emerged as a scientific term alongside the development of electrostatics and molecular theory, describing entities with distinct positive and negative regions. Its sibling word "dipole" shares this origin and remains the more commonly used noun form in modern physics.
Related word forms
How dipolar is actually used
A technical term used almost exclusively in scientific contexts, particularly chemistry and physics. Not used colloquially. Do not confuse with "bipolar," which has broader and more common everyday usage.
Easily confused with dipolar
"Bipolar" most commonly refers to bipolar disorder or anything having two opposing poles in a general or psychological sense, while "dipolar" specifically describes physical systems with a dipole, as in physics and chemistry.