subatomic

American  

[suhb-uh-tom-ik] / ˌsʌb əˈtɒm ɪk /

adjective

Physics.

1. of or relating to a process that occurs within an atom.

2. noting or pertaining to a particle or particles contained in an atom, as electrons, protons, or neutrons.

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subatomic British  

/ ˌsʌbəˈtɒmɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or being a particle making up an atom or a process occurring within atoms

   the electron is a subatomic particle

2. having dimensions smaller than atomic dimensions

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subatomic Cultural  

1. A descriptive term for objects and events within the atom.

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Etymology

Origin of subatomic

First recorded in 1900–05; sub- + atomic

Example Sentences

Most qubits are subatomic particles, like electrons, that are put in “superposition,” or many states at once: a 1, a 0, and all values between the two.

From The Wall Street Journal

I often wonder: Does their categorizing need extend to the subatomic realm?

From The Wall Street Journal

Axions are theoretical subatomic particles that scientists believe could help explain dark matter.

From Science Daily

Quantum computers instead use qubits, which are often subatomic particles such as photons.

From Science Daily

Powerful systems like the System Two operate based on the principles of quantum mechanics, the science behind atoms, molecules, and subatomic particles.

From Barron's

Related Words

• atomic