atomic clock

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noun

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

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Origin of atomic clock

First recorded in 1935–40

Words nearby atomic clock

atom, atom-bomb, atomic, atomic age, atomic bomb, atomic clock, atomic cocktail, atomic energy, Atomic Energy Authority, Atomic Energy Commission, atomic force microscope

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Example sentences from the Web for atomic clock

France 24 is providing live, round-the-clock coverage of both scenes as they progress.
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Following this line of reasoning to its logical conclusion, the way to achieve world peace is to give everyone atomic bombs.
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The wine cellar—one of the best in the world—survived World War II and is guarded around the clock.
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They thrive on packed schedules, they say, and take pleasure in working around the clock.
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Transcripts from hearings held by the Atomic Energy Commission in 1954 have recently been declassified and studied by scholars.
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The night wore on, and the clock downstairs was striking the hour of two when she suddenly awakened.
The Homesteader|Oscar Micheaux
The clock struck ten, and clerks poured in faster than ever, each one in a greater perspiration than his predecessor.
The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club, v. 2(of 2)|Charles Dickens
As it came near, it proved to be the clock, with a sail hoisted, and the Goblin sitting complacently in the stern.
Davy and The Goblin|Charles E. Carryl
A clock was put above the spot where the fountain stood, in April, 1852, which cost £60.
Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham|Thomas T. Harman and Walter Showell
The tower has four clock faces, pinnacles at the angles, and a steep slate roof and is 120 feet high.
Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham|Thomas T. Harman and Walter Showell

British Dictionary definitions for atomic clock

atomic clock

noun

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for atomic clock

atomic clock

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.

Cultural definitions for atomic clock

atomic clock

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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atomic clock

noun

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Origin of atomic clock

Words nearby atomic clock

Example sentences from the Web for atomic clock

British Dictionary definitions for atomic clock

noun

Scientific definitions for atomic clock

Cultural definitions for atomic clock