What does intermolecular mean?
Intermolecular means existing or occurring between molecules. It is used especially in chemistry and related sciences to describe forces, attractions, bonds, interactions, and distances involving separate molecules. For example, intermolecular forces help determine a substance's boiling point, solubility, and state of matter, while intermolecular interactions are important in the structure of proteins, polymers, and other complex materials. The word should not be confused with intramolecular, which refers to processes or interactions within a single molecule. Intermolecular is usually a formal, technical term rather than part of everyday conversation, but it is useful because it distinguishes interactions between molecules from chemical changes involving the atoms inside one molecule. Its importance is especially evident in everyday substances such as water, where hydrogen bonding produces unusually high melting and boiling points.
adjectiveExisting, occurring, or taking place between molecules. In chemistry and related sciences, it describes interactions, forces, distances, or structures that involve more than one molecule.
- Relating to or occurring between molecules.
"Hydrogen bonds are intermolecular forces that help give water its unusual properties."
"The compound's melting point depends partly on the strength of its intermolecular forces."
"Researchers used intermolecular interactions to explain how the molecules assembled into a stable material."
The invisible conversations between molecules help determine whether a substance is a solid, liquid, or gas.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intermolecular come from?
Intermolecular combines the Latin prefix inter-, meaning “between,” with molecular, a derivative of molecule. Molecular ultimately comes from Latin moles, referring to a mass or bulk, through the related forms molecule and molécule. The combined adjective developed as scientists developed precise terminology for distinguishing interactions between separate molecules from reactions within them.
Related word forms
How intermolecular is actually used
This is primarily a technical scientific adjective, especially common in chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and materials science.
Easily confused with intermolecular
Intermolecular describes something occurring between separate molecules, whereas intramolecular describes something occurring within a single molecule.