diatomic, a. Chem.
(daɪəˈtɒmɪk)
[f. di-2 twice + ἄτοµ-ος atom n. + -ic.]
Consisting of, or having, two atoms; specifically applied to compounds containing two replaceable atoms of hydrogen; sometimes used as = divalent.
| 1869 Roscoe Elem. Chem. xxxiv. heading, Diatomic acids, resulting from the oxidation of the glycols. Ibid. 417 It..is monobasic but diatomic. 1869 Eng. Mech. 12 Nov. 198/3 Elements..classified as..diatomic or bivalent, having two attractions, as sulphur. 1880 E. Cleminshaw Wurtz' Atom. Th. 119 note, The term diatomic molecules clearly and correctly expresses molecules formed of two atoms. |