Definition

Describing a molecule that is made up of three atoms.

Example

Water is not triatomic; it consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

Conversation

Did you know that water is a triatomic molecule?

Really? I always thought it was just two atoms.

Nope, it actually has three — two hydrogen and one oxygen.

That's interesting! I guess I need to brush up on my chemistry.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Triatomic → It is formed from "tri-" (meaning three) and "atomos" (from Greek, meaning indivisible). The word "triatomic" refers to a molecule that consists of three atoms.

Memory Tip

Think of 'tri-' meaning three and 'atomos' meaning indivisible — so triatomic describes something made of three indivisible parts.

Visually Confused Words