1 hydrogen bond | Definition of hydrogen bond

hydrogen bond

noun

Definition of hydrogen bond

: an electrostatic attraction between a hydrogen atom in one polar molecule (as of water) and a small electronegative atom (as of oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine) in usually another molecule of the same or a different polar substance

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from hydrogen bond

hydrogen bonding noun

Examples of hydrogen bond in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Inside the gel, a layer of water molecules bonded tightly to the PVA, each forming multiple chemical links known as hydrogen bonds. Robert F. Service, Science | AAAS, "New solar technology could produce clean drinking water for millions in need," 28 June 2019 At that temperature, the hydrogen bonds in the hair will break then reform in the shape of the curls. Jessica Cruel, SELF, "12 Common Curling Iron Mistakes and How to Stop Making Them," 8 June 2018 Hair consists of keratin, a protein that is wound into a coil held together by hydrogen bonds. Tom Skilling, chicagotribune.com, "Ask Tom: Why does humid weather affect hair?," 4 May 2018 These channels and cell walls collapse during the heat-and-squeeze part of the researchers' process and new hydrogen bonds form between cellulose molecules, toughening the material. Marissa Fessenden, Smithsonian, "New Super Wood Beats Metals in Feats of Strength," 10 Feb. 2018 The hydrogen bonds form in a such a way that the polymer doesn't crystallize, giving the molecular chains the ability to move freely, and easily combine when pieces of the substance are compressed. Andrew Wagner, Science | AAAS, "This new material heals—not cracks—under pressure," 14 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hydrogen bond.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of hydrogen bond

1923, in the meaning defined above

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for hydrogen bond

hydrogen bond

noun

Medical Definition of hydrogen bond

: an electrostatic attraction between a hydrogen atom in one polar molecule (as of water) and a small electronegative atom (as of oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine) in usually another molecule of the same or a different polar substance

Other Words from hydrogen bond

hydrogen bonding noun

More from Merriam-Webster on hydrogen bond

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hydrogen bond