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

According to this theory, electrons move without resistance because of interactions with vibrations in the atomic lattice, called phonons.

Read more on Science Daily

His latest remarks, made minutes before a landmark meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, follow a pattern of deeply contradictory signals about atomic bombs.

Read more on Barron's

On Thursday, the Kremlin sought to cool tensions, saying those tests did not constitute a test of an atomic weapon.

Read more on Barron's

The United States has been a signatory since 1996 to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, which bans all atomic test explosions, whether for military or civilian purposes.

Read more on Barron's

Yet turning materials like silicon and germanium into superconductors has remained a major challenge, largely because it requires maintaining a delicate atomic arrangement that allows electrons to move freely.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

• microscopic