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

This design offers a key advantage over conventional hollow-core fibers, which can take months to fill with atomic vapor.

From Science Daily

Japan pulled the plug on nuclear power after a colossal earthquake and tsunami sent three reactors at the Fukushima atomic plant into meltdown in 2011.

From Barron's

When those electrons snap back, they emit light that carries detailed information about how electrons and even atomic nuclei move.

From Science Daily

These microscopic robots manipulate matter on atomic levels, giving superhuman abilities such as enhanced speed and the ability to see in the dark.

From BBC

Not to be confused with movies about Fox News or Hedy Lamarr, “Bombshell” isn’t just a film about the atomic bomb either.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• microscopic