nonpolar

adjective

non·​po·​lar ˌnän-ˈpō-lər How to pronounce nonpolar (audio)
: not polar
especially : consisting of molecules not having a dipole
a nonpolar solvent

Examples of nonpolar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web After all, this celestial city is a hotbed of geographical wonders, with snowcapped volcanic mountains in the world’s driest nonpolar region, high-altitude lagoons dotting the Andean desert, and dazzling salt flats. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Nov. 2023 Finally, the diffusion of power throughout the international system is creating a nonpolar world. Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 13 Apr. 2020 While debates persist over which region is the world’s driest — the Atacama or Antarctica’s McMurdo Dry Valleys — the former is undeniably the driest nonpolar desert. Maggie Shipstead Anthony Cotsifas, New York Times, 10 May 2023 After mixing, the oil and vinegar quickly separate because oil is nonpolar, while vinegar and water are polar, meaning they are not attracted to each other. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 30 Aug. 2021 The remaining nonpolar molecules in food - like fats and minerals - are not heated by the microwaves themselves. Elsbeth Sites, Discover Magazine, 31 May 2016 However, fat is nonpolar, and salt does not dissolve well in it. Science & Food, Discover Magazine, 22 May 2012 The Atacama is the driest nonpolar desert on Earth. Michael Snyder, New York Times, 17 Nov. 2022 Among one of the most breathtaking and adventure-filled destinations in the South American country is the Atacama Desert, the driest and highest nonpolar desert in the world. Rachel King, Fortune, 9 Apr. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nonpolar.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonpolar was in 1847

Dictionary Entries Near nonpolar

Cite this Entry

“Nonpolar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonpolar. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

nonpolar

adjective
non·​po·​lar -ˈpō-lər How to pronounce nonpolar (audio)
: not polar
especially : consisting of molecules not having a dipole
a nonpolar solvent

Medical Definition

nonpolar

adjective
non·​po·​lar -ˈpō-lər How to pronounce nonpolar (audio)
: not polar
a nonpolar molecule
a nonpolar group
especially : consisting of molecules not having a dipole
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!