atomic structure

American  

noun

Physics.

1. the structure of an atom, theoretically consisting of a positively charged nucleus surrounded and neutralized by negatively charged electrons revolving in orbits at varying distances from the nucleus, the constitution of the nucleus and the arrangement of the electrons differing with various chemical elements.

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atomic structure British  

noun

1. the concept of an atom as a central positively charged nucleus consisting of protons and neutrons surrounded by a number of electrons. The number of electrons is equal to the number of protons: the whole entity is thus electrically neutral

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Etymology

Origin of atomic structure

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

To investigate how these materials respond to light, graduate student Mansha Dubey directed laser light onto perovskite crystals and monitored how their atomic structure shifted using X-ray measurements.

From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026

The simpler and more reduced the atomic structure of a material, the longer the quantum transition lasted.

From Science Daily • Feb. 9, 2026

To induce superconductivity in such elements, scientists must carefully alter their atomic structure to increase the number of electrons available for conduction.

From Science Daily • Oct. 30, 2025

Overall, this research advances our understanding of the atomic structure of glasses, providing new directions for material control and development.

From Science Daily • Jun. 3, 2024

The discovery of atomic structure and the uncertainty principle put an emphatic end to that.

From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking