atomic clock

noun

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

atomic clock

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

atomic clock

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.

atomic clock

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of atomic clock¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

An atomic clock that could transform deep-space travel has successfully completed its first test run in space.

From Science News

Ultraprecise, refrigerator-sized atomic clocks on the ground measure that round trip time — which can take hours — to pinpoint a spacecraft’s location.

From Science News

That’s comparable to ground-based atomic clocks currently used for deep-space navigation, says DSAC principal investigator Todd Ely, also at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

From Science News

It could also make it possible to create instantaneous links between large networks of quantum sensors or atomic clocks, to measure phenomena like gravitational waves in unprecedented resolution or provide ultra-precise timekeeping.

From Singularity Hub 

Notably, nuclei are resistant to the effects of stray electric or magnetic fields that can hinder atomic clocks.

From Science News