atomic

Also a·tom·i·cal

[uh-tom-ik]

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, resulting from, or using atoms, atomic energy, or atomic bombs.

   an atomic explosion.

2. propelled or driven by atomic energy.

   an atomic submarine.

3. Chemistry.,  existing as free, uncombined atoms.

4. extremely minute.

atomic

/ əˈtɒmɪk /

adjective

1. of, using, or characterized by atomic bombs or atomic energy

   atomic warfare

2. of, related to, or comprising atoms

   atomic hydrogen

3. extremely small; minute

4. logic (of a sentence, formula, etc) having no internal structure at the appropriate level of analysis. In predicate calculus, Fa is an atomic sentence and Fx an atomic predicate

atomic

1. Relating to an atom or to atoms.

2. Employing nuclear energy.

Other Word Forms

• atomically adverb
• nonatomic adjective
• nonatomical adjective
• nonatomically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of atomic¹

First recorded in 1670–80; atom + -ic

Example Sentences

The United States has been a signatory since 1996 to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, which bans all atomic test explosions, whether for military or civilian purposes.

Read more on Barron's

Yet turning materials like silicon and germanium into superconductors has remained a major challenge, largely because it requires maintaining a delicate atomic arrangement that allows electrons to move freely.

Read more on Science Daily

Yet nearly everything we can detect today is matter built from protons and neutrons inside atomic nuclei.

Read more on Science Daily

In 2002, INR dissented from the prevailing intelligence-community view that Iraq was reconstituting its nuclear weapons program to build an atomic weapon.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

So the repeating tom-tom pulse in “No Reply,” when paired with his half-spoken delivery, brings to mind a digital grid mapped to an atomic clock where every element is locked into place.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• microscopic