atomic

[ 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

/ ə-tŏm′ĭk /

1. Relating to an atom or to atoms.
2. Employing nuclear energy.

Derived Forms

• aˈtomically, adverb

Other Words From

• a·tomi·cal·ly adverb
• nona·tomic adjective
• nona·tomi·cal adjective
• nona·tomi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of atomic¹

First recorded in 1670–80; atom + -ic

Example Sentences

But from what I can make of it so far, it seems to be the ultimate paradox: the world simultaneously contracted to its most intimate, atomic form, and the explosion of an entirely new universe.

From Los Angeles Times

When the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, “Carousel” was doing boffo business on Broadway.

From Los Angeles Times

Controlling matter at the atomic level has taken a major step forward, thanks to groundbreaking nanotechnology research by an international team of scientists led by physicists at the University of Bath.

From Science Daily

The method allows for the controlled removal of as little as 1 per cent of a single atomic layer, offering unprecedented control over the structure and properties of the diamond surface.

From Science Daily

These advanced methods, combined with machine learning and density functional theory, allowed the team to map out the local atomic and electronic structure of the catalysts in unprecedented detail.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• microscopic