atomic

American  

[uh-tom-ik] / əˈtɒm ɪk /

Also atomical

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 British  

/ 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 Scientific  

/ ə-tŏm′ĭk /

1. Relating to an atom or to atoms.

2. Employing nuclear energy.

---

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of atomic

First recorded in 1670–80; atom + -ic

Example Sentences

By understanding what happens at the atomic interface, they have turned an unexpected result into a principle that could guide future designs.

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

The chief of the UN nuclear watchdog said attacks near Iran's Bushehr atomic power plant "pose a very real danger to nuclear safety and must stop".

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

This is a city of ancient caves but also of modern mills and atomic research facilities, which makes it impossible for two people to view it in the same way.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Many have expressed fears of an Orwellian-style forever war, or worse, the use of the atomic weapon invented “to end all wars” in a twisted attempt to do so, poisoning the region as a byproduct.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

The next day, right after lunch recess, the atomic bomb sirens wailed again in Camillo Junior High.

From "The Wednesday Wars" by Gary D. Schmidt

Related Words

• microscopic