atomy

1
[ at-uh-mee ]

noun,plural at·o·mies.
  1. an atom; mote.

  2. a small creature; pygmy.

Origin of atomy

1
1585–95; singular use of Latin atomī, plural of atomusatom

Words Nearby atomy

Other definitions for atomy (2 of 2)

atomy2
[ at-uh-mee ]

noun,plural at·o·mies.
  1. a skeleton.

Origin of atomy

2
1590–1600; variant of anatomy (taken as an atomy)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use atomy in a sentence

  • The laughableness of the thing—this ferocious atomy defying him—struck home to the little man.

    Bob, Son of Battle | Alfred Ollivant
  • Another man sees a leprechaun walking up to him—'a weeny deeny dawny little atomy of an idea of a small taste of a gentleman.'

  • I sometimes think scorn of us as a nation that we so gladly and peaceably put our necks beneath the sceptre of such an atomy.

    The Lost Treasure of Trevlyn | Evelyn Everett-Green
  • Good-gracious, Miss Hagar, if you haven't nearly frightened this little atomy into fits!

    Sharing Her Crime | May Agnes Fleming
  • Out of the pearl seemed to issue a spell that stole upon her spirits gently as an atomy settles through the still air.

    The Fair God | Lew Wallace

British Dictionary definitions for atomy (1 of 2)

atomy1

/ (ˈætəmɪ) /


nounplural -mies archaic
  1. an atom or minute particle

  2. a minute creature

Origin of atomy

1
C16: from Latin atomī atoms, but used as if singular; see atom

British Dictionary definitions for atomy (2 of 2)

atomy2

/ (ˈætəmɪ) /


nounplural -mies
  1. an obsolete word for skeleton

Origin of atomy

2
C16: from mistaken division of anatomy (as if an atomy)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012