atom
at·om
noun \ˈa-təm\Definition of ATOM
1
: one of the minute indivisible particles of which according to ancient materialism the universe is composed
2
: a tiny particle : bit
3
: the smallest particle of an element that can exist either alone or in combination
4
: the atom considered as a source of vast potential energy
Examples of ATOM
- There is not an atom of truth to what he said.
- <give me just one atom of information about the novel's surprise ending>
Origin of ATOM
Middle English, from Latin atomus, from Greek atomos, from atomos indivisible, from a- + temnein to cut
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to ATOM
Related Words: ace, dab, dash, driblet, drop, fraction, haet [chiefly Scottish], halfpenny, ha'penny, iota, jot, kenning [chiefly Scottish], lick, minim, mite, modicum, nutshell, ounce, pinch, shred, smatter, smidgen (also smidgeon or smidgin or smidge), spot, strain, streak, suspicion, taste, touch, trace, whisper, whit; bite, mouthful, nibble, tidbit (also titbit); fragment, part, portion, section; chip, flake, shard, shiver, sliver, splinter; clipping, paring, shaving; smithereens
Other Physics Terms
Learn More About ATOM
Browse
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up atom? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).






See 

