molecular sieve: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “molecular sieve” mean?
A material with a very regular, porous structure that acts like a filter at the molecular level, used to separate molecules based on their size and shape.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A material with a very regular, porous structure that acts like a filter at the molecular level, used to separate molecules based on their size and shape.
Specifically, a crystalline metal aluminosilicate or similar synthetic material with uniform pores of precise diameter, widely used in chemistry, petrochemicals, and gas purification for adsorption and separation processes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling follows regional conventions for related terms (e.g., 'catalyse' vs. 'catalyze').
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Frequency is identical and confined to scientific, engineering, and industrial contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “molecular sieve” in a Sentence
[Verb] + molecular sieve: use, regenerate, pack, prepare, saturate, replacemolecular sieve + [Verb]: adsorbs, separates, dries, traps, filtersmolecular sieve + [Preposition]: for drying, of type 3A, in a column, with a pore sizeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “molecular sieve” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The molecular-sieve properties of the zeolite were characterised.
- We need a molecular-sieve column for the experiment.
American English
- The molecular-sieve properties of the zeolite were characterized.
- We need a molecular-sieve column for the experiment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in procurement, technical specifications, and supply chain contexts within chemical, oil & gas, and manufacturing industries.
Academic
Core term in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, and environmental engineering papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Standard term for a class of adsorbents used in separation processes, catalysis, and drying applications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “molecular sieve”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “molecular sieve”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “molecular sieve”
- Using it as a plural without 's' (e.g., 'three molecular sieve' instead of 'three molecular sieves').
- Confusing it with generic filters or membranes that operate on different principles.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A regular filter separates particles based on size, often visible. A molecular sieve operates at the atomic/molecular scale, separating based on the precise diameter and shape of molecules.
They are often synthetic or natural crystalline aluminosilicates called zeolites, but can also be made from other materials like activated carbon or metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), provided they have a uniform, porous structure.
Yes, most molecular sieves can be regenerated by applying heat or reducing pressure to drive off the adsorbed molecules, allowing them to be reused many times.
These numbers designate the effective pore diameter of the sieve in Angstroms (Å). For example, a 3A sieve has ~3 Å pores and will adsorb water but not larger molecules like ethanol.
A material with a very regular, porous structure that acts like a filter at the molecular level, used to separate molecules based on their size and shape.
Molecular sieve is usually technical / academic in register.
Molecular sieve: in British English it is pronounced /məˌlek.jə.lə ˈsiːv/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˌlek.jə.lɚ ˈsiːv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a kitchen sieve so fine it can separate different sizes of salt grains. A 'molecular' sieve does exactly that, but for molecules.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FILTER or SCREEN for molecules; a SPONGE that selectively soaks up certain molecules.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a molecular sieve?