atomic clock

American  

noun

1. an extremely accurate electronic clock regulated by the resonance frequency of atoms or molecules of certain substances, as cesium.

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atomic clock British  

noun

1. an extremely accurate clock in which an electrical oscillator is controlled by the natural vibrations of an atomic or molecular system such as caesium or ammonia

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atomic clock Scientific  

1. An extremely precise clock whose rate is controlled by a periodic process (such as vibration, or the absorption or emission of electromagnetic radiation) that occurs at a steady rate in atoms or molecules. The standard atomic clock is based on the vibrations of cesium atoms and is so accurate that it would gain or lose less than one second in three million years. Atomic clocks are used to help track satellites, run navigation systems, and study movements of the Earth's crust.

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atomic clock Cultural  

1. The most accurate clock available. Time is measured by the movement of electrons in cesium atoms. The standard second is now defined by measurements on an atomic clock.

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Etymology

Origin of atomic clock

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Quantum sensors, which use the principles of quantum mechanics to measure things incredibly precisely, already exist and are found in atomic clocks.

From BBC

So the repeating tom-tom pulse in “No Reply,” when paired with his half-spoken delivery, brings to mind a digital grid mapped to an atomic clock where every element is locked into place.

From The Wall Street Journal

The plan is simple: to develop a more secure alternative to GPS by enabling the portable use of new atomic clocks, rather than relying on signals from satellites in space that can be jammed.

From BBC

Light measurement devices called optical frequency combs have revolutionized metrology, spectroscopy, atomic clocks, and other applications.

From Science Daily

In a new study, researchers from the University of Copenhagen present a new method for measuring the time interval, the second, mitigating some of the limitations that today's most advanced atomic clocks encounter.

From Science Daily