subatomic

[ suhb-uh-tom-ik ]

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.

subatomic

/ 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

subatomic

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of subatomic¹

First recorded in 1900–05; sub- + atomic

Example Sentences

Additional ingredients of this vast cosmos ultimately consist of a handful of subatomic particles, or more precisely, quantum fields responsible for those particles.

From Science News

The subatomic randomness that gives those precious substances their powerful effects are difficult to model with conventional computers, which consist of simple on-off switches known as bits.

From Fortune

Those messengers from the cosmic explosion, lightweight subatomic particles called neutrinos, revealed a wealth of new information about supernovas.

From Science News

Global teams, each with between dozens and thousands of scientists, are leading today’s most cutting-edge research — whether on subatomic particles or gene editing.

From Ozy

If the new tests and the predictions both seem accurate, then the mismatch might point to some new subatomic particle.

From Science News For Students

Turns out Williamsburg is not the best place to learn about subatomic particles.

From The Daily Beast

Well, today physicists peering into the infinitely small realms of subatomic particles find reaffirmations of religious faith.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• atomic