atom

[at-uhm]

noun

1. Physics.

   1. the smallest component of an element having the chemical properties of the element, consisting of a nucleus containing combinations of neutrons and protons and one or more electrons bound to the nucleus by electrical attraction; the number of protons determines the identity of the element.

   2. an atom with one of the electrons replaced by some other particle.

      muonic atom;

      kaonic atom.

2. Energy.,  this component as the source of nuclear energy.

3. a hypothetical particle of matter so minute as to admit of no division.

4. anything extremely small; a minute quantity.

   Synonyms: whit, jot, iota, scintilla, speck, shred

atom

/ ˈætəm /

noun

1. 1. the smallest quantity of an element that can take part in a chemical reaction

   2. this entity as a source of nuclear energy See also atomic structure

      the power of the atom

2. any entity regarded as the indivisible building block of a theory

3. the hypothetical indivisible particle of matter postulated by certain ancient philosophers as the fundamental constituent of matter See also atomism

4. a very small amount or quantity; minute fragment

   to smash something to atoms

   there is not an atom of truth in his allegations

atom

1. The smallest unit of an element, consisting of at least one proton and (for all elements except hydrogen) one or more neutrons in a dense central nucleus, surrounded by one or more shells of electrons. In electrically neutral atoms, the number of protons equals the number of electrons. Atoms remain intact in chemical reactions except for the removal, transfer, or exchange of certain electrons.

2. Compare compound See also ion isotope orbital

atom

1. A unit of matter; the smallest unit of a chemical element. Each atom consists of a nucleus, which has a positive charge, and a set of electrons that move around the nucleus. (See Bohr atom.)

Atoms link together to form molecules.

Word History and Origins

Origin of atom¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English attomos, athomus, from Latin atomus, from Greek átomos, noun use of átomos “undivided,” equivalent to a- a- ⁶ + tomós “divided,” from témnein “to cut”

Word History and Origins

Origin of atom¹

C16: via Old French and Latin, from Greek atomos (n), from atomos (adj) that cannot be divided, from _a- ¹ + temnein to cut

Example Sentences

"A hydrogen atom gives up only 0.2% of an electron when binding on platinum catalysts, but it's that small percentage which makes it possible for hydrogen to react in industrial chemical manufacturing."

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To address the problem, scientists around the world are exploring whether harnessing the quantum properties of atoms can help navigate accurately in so-called contested environments.

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The flight carried an instrument that shines lasers at atoms, which behave like compass needles to measure Earth’s magnetic field in real time.

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Ordinary matter is affected by four known fundamental forces: gravity, electromagnetism, and the strong and weak forces within atoms.

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"Normally, the SHG signal forms a six-pointed 'flower' shape that mirrors the crystal's symmetry. But when light pushes on the atoms, this symmetry breaks -- the petals of the pattern shrink unevenly."

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