atomic structure

American  

noun

Physics.

1. the structure of an atom, theoretically consisting of a positively charged nucleus surrounded and neutralized by negatively charged electrons revolving in orbits at varying distances from the nucleus, the constitution of the nucleus and the arrangement of the electrons differing with various chemical elements.

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atomic structure British  

noun

1. the concept of an atom as a central positively charged nucleus consisting of protons and neutrons surrounded by a number of electrons. The number of electrons is equal to the number of protons: the whole entity is thus electrically neutral

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Etymology

Origin of atomic structure

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

atomic structure

In particular, the electron structure of the ultrathin ruthenium dioxide had to experience lattice strain, which places pressure on the material's atomic structure.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 27, 2026

In the worm's jaws, sharper changes in strain across tiny regions appear to increase the interlocking of defects within the atomic structure, producing the characteristic size effect.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 16, 2026

Nearly 150 years after gallium was first discovered and added to the periodic table, scientists at the University of Auckland have uncovered previously unknown details about the metal's atomic structure and behavior.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 9, 2026

To investigate how these materials respond to light, graduate student Mansha Dubey directed laser light onto perovskite crystals and monitored how their atomic structure shifted using X-ray measurements.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 31, 2026

There he would make an even greater mark on science by taking on the core question of atomic structure.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik