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

Friday's decision demonstrates Japan's desire to move towards increased use of atomic energy to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels as it pursues a goal of net zero carbon emissions.

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The plant was taken offline when 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.

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The new study shows that the magnetic field of light also plays a direct role by interacting with atomic spins, a contribution long assumed to be insignificant.

Read more on Science Daily

Are we going to travel back in time and prevent genocide, world wars, the atomic bomb?

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The mood had gotten worse in 1949, when the Soviet Union tested an atomic bomb.

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Related Words

• microscopic