How Do You Spell PENTATOMIC?

Pronunciation: [pˌɛntɐtˈɒmɪk] (IPA)

The word "pentatomic" refers to the presence of five atoms in a molecule or ion. The spelling of this word can be broken down into its individual sound components, using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable, "pen," is pronounced /pɛn/, with the "e" sound being slightly shorter than a typical English "eh" sound. The second syllable, "ta," is pronounced /tæ/, with the "a" sound being similar to the "a" in "cat." The final syllable, "mic," is pronounced /mɪk/, with the "i" sound being a short, sharp "ih" sound.

PENTATOMIC Meaning and Definition

1. Pentatomic is an adjective that pertains to a five-atom arrangement or to a molecule composed of five atoms. The term derives from the combination of the prefix "penta-" meaning "five" and the suffix "-atomic" referring to atoms or atomic composition.

   In the field of chemistry, pentatomic is often used to describe a molecule composed of five atoms. These atoms can be of the same element or of different elements, forming various types of compounds. Such arrangements typically have distinctive properties and reactivity due to the specific bonding patterns and atom composition.

   Pentatomic molecules are not as common as diatomic (two atoms) or triatomic (three atoms) molecules, but they do exist. One example is phosphorus pentafluoride (PF5), which comprises one phosphorus atom bonded with five fluorine atoms. PF5 is a nonpolar compound known for its highly reactive nature, often used as a reagent or catalyst in synthetic chemistry.

   Furthermore, the term pentatomic can also refer to a five-atom arrangement within a larger molecule or compound. For instance, a pentatomic ring refers to a cyclic arrangement of five atoms, typically carbon atoms in organic chemistry.

   In summary, pentatomic describes a molecular or atomic composition consisting of five atoms, either as an entire molecule or as a particular arrangement within a larger compound.

2. Noting a chemical element, five atoms of which occur in the molecule; noting a chemical compound having five replaceable hydrogen atoms.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PENTATOMIC

• oentatomic
• lentatomic
• -entatomic
• 0entatomic
• pwntatomic
• psntatomic
• pdntatomic
• prntatomic
• p4ntatomic
• p3ntatomic
• pebtatomic
• pemtatomic
• pejtatomic
• pehtatomic
• penratomic
• penfatomic
• pengatomic
• penyatomic
• pen6atomic
• pen5atomic

Etymology of PENTATOMIC

The word "pentatomic" is formed by combining two elements: "penta-" and "-tomic".

The prefix "penta-" comes from the Greek word "pente", meaning "five". prefix is commonly used in scientific and mathematical terms to denote the number five. For example, "pentagon" refers to a polygon with five sides, "pentathlon" refers to a five-event athletic competition, and "pentavalent" refers to an element with a valence (combining capacity) of five.

The suffix "-tomic" is derived from the Greek word "tomos", meaning "cut" or "section". It is often used in scientific terms related to division or separation. For instance, "atom" comes from "atomos", meaning "indivisible", implying that atoms cannot be divided further.

Combining these two elements, "pentatomic" refers to something that has five atoms or divisions.