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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of atomic structure

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

atomic structure

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

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

After cooling the nodes to close to absolute zero, light is sent through the first node and, by nature of the silicon vacancy center's atomic structure, becomes entangled with it.

From Science Daily ● May 15, 2024

However, their atomic structure becomes unstable when the battery is being charged.

From Science Daily ● May 8, 2024

The discovery of atomic structure and the uncertainty principle put an emphatic end to that.

From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking