chemical bond: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1+Technical, Academic, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “chemical bond” mean?
A strong, lasting force of attraction that holds atoms together in a molecule or crystal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A strong, lasting force of attraction that holds atoms together in a molecule or crystal.
In a metaphorical sense, it can refer to any strong connection or unifying force between people or ideas, though this is a direct extension from the scientific term.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or usage. Spelling conventions follow standard UK/US patterns for the word 'chemical'.
Connotations
Purely scientific/technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in scientific contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “chemical bond” in a Sentence
the bond between X and Ya bond of X strengthto form/break/create a bondVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chemical bond” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The atoms bond covalently.
- Oxygen prefers to bond with two hydrogen atoms.
American English
- The atoms bond covalently.
- Carbon can bond to four other atoms.
adverb
British English
- The atoms are chemically bonded.
- The groups are covalently bonded.
American English
- The atoms are chemically bonded.
- The ions are ionically bonded.
adjective
British English
- The bonding electrons are shared.
- They studied the bonding characteristics of the compound.
American English
- The bonding electrons are shared.
- The bonding energy was calculated.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like pharmaceuticals or materials science. 'The deal created a strong chemical bond between the two companies' (metaphorical).
Academic
Core term in chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, and physics modules.
Everyday
Very low frequency. Might be encountered in popular science articles or educational TV.
Technical
The primary domain. Used with precision to describe specific interatomic interactions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chemical bond”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chemical bond”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chemical bond”
- Using 'chemical bond' to describe intermolecular forces (like van der Waals forces), which are weaker and different.
- Saying 'the atoms have a chemical bond' instead of the more standard 'the atoms are held together by a chemical bond' or 'atoms form a chemical bond.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a physical object you can touch. It is a model or concept describing the net attractive force between atoms.
A 'chemical bond' is the stable, overall attractive interaction resulting from electromagnetic forces (specifically, the balance of attraction between nuclei and electrons and repulsion between like charges).
Yes, breaking a chemical bond requires energy input. This happens in chemical reactions, combustion, and when materials decompose.
Atoms form bonds to achieve a more stable, lower-energy electron configuration, often resembling the electron arrangement of a noble gas.
A strong, lasting force of attraction that holds atoms together in a molecule or crystal.
Chemical bond is usually technical, academic, scientific in register.
Chemical bond: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkemɪkəl ˈbɒnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkemɪkəl ˈbɑːnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Bond of friendship (metaphorical extension, not a true idiom of the term itself)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of atoms as people holding hands. The 'chemical bond' is the firm handshake or linked fingers that keeps them together as a group (molecule).
Conceptual Metaphor
A CHEMICAL BOND IS A PHYSICAL LINK/CONNECTION (e.g., a bridge, a rope, a handshake).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a primary type of chemical bond?