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

The new work suggests that changing the material's dimensions and placing its atomic structure under strain can produce very different behavior.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 27, 2026

The simpler and more reduced the atomic structure of a material, the longer the quantum transition lasted.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 9, 2026

This happens because of a topological property of PtBi2 that arises from how electrons interact with the material's orderly atomic structure.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 26, 2025

To induce superconductivity in such elements, scientists must carefully alter their atomic structure to increase the number of electrons available for conduction.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 30, 2025

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