A molecule (/ˈmɒlɪkjuːl/ from Latin moles "mass") is an electrically neutral group of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds. Molecules are distinguished from ions by their lack of electrical charge. However, in quantum physics, organic chemistry, and biochemistry, the term molecule is often used less strictly, also being applied to polyatomic ions.In the kinetic theory of gases, the term molecule is often used for any gaseous particle regardless of its composition.