octatomicadj.
/ˌɒktəˈtɒmɪk/, U.S. /ˌɑktəˈtɑmɪk/ Chemistry.
Consisting of eight atoms; containing eight atoms per molecule.
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the world > matter > chemistry > atomic chemistry > [adjective] > relating to molecules > by number of atoms
monatomic1848
pentatomic1858
ter-atomic1861
tetratomic1862
triatomic1862
diatomic1866
hexatomic1868
octatomic1875
heptatomic1886
monadic1907
1875 T. S. Hunt Chem. & Geol. Ess. 467 Without counting the still more basic sulphates described by Kane and Schindler, we have the following salts, which, in accordance with Wurtz's notation, correspond to the annexed radicles:—..5. Octobasic S2H8O14 = S2—O2 octatomic.
1902 Science 31 Jan. 172/2 Thus, when monatomic mercury unites with octatomic sulphur, the phenomena which occur involve the breaking down of the sulphur molecule.
1949 Proc. National Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 35 495 Sulfur is unique among the elements in consisting in its standard state of octatomic molecules.
1979 Nature 30 Aug. 751 The increase of viscosity with temperature above 157°C, atypical of most liquids, is produced by the rupturing of the octatomic form of sulphur to produce long and complex sulphur chains and polymers.
1984 N. N. Greenwood & A. Earnshaw Chem. of Elements (1986) xvii. 964 IF7 is the sole example of the octatomic series.
This is a new entry (OED Third Edition, March 2004; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1875