section_path: Etymology
section_name: Etymology
paragraph_text: Etymology
  
  According to Merriam-Webster and the Online Etymology Dictionary, the word "molecule" derives from the Latin " moles " or small unit of mass. The word is derived from French molécule (1678), from Neo-Latin molecula, diminutive of Latin moles "mass, barrier". The word, which until the late 18th century was used only in Latin form, became popular after being used in works of philosophy by Descartes.