atomic

adjective

atom·​ic ə-ˈtä-mik 

1

a

: of, relating to, or concerned with atoms

atomic physics

b

: nuclear sense 2

atomic energy

2

a

: marked by acceptance of the theory of atomism

b

: atomistic sense 2

3

: minute

4

of a chemical element : existing in the state of separate atoms

atomically

ə-ˈtä-mi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of atomic

• tiny
• minuscule
• microscopic
• miniature

Examples of atomic in a Sentence

made atomic adjustments to the clock's mechanism to keep it from whirring as it ran

Recent Examples on the Web

This first atomic detonation not only transformed the New Mexico desert but also ushered in the nuclear age, altering WWII and creating an enduring moral burden. — Rebecca Coffey, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Unlike conventional nuclear fission reactors, fusion combines light atomic nuclei to release energy. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 June 2026

China has recently focused more investment in quantum computing, and designed the world’s first dual-core atomic quantum computer. — Donald Keough, Christian Science Monitor, 27 June 2026

Nano-tech black has been used with limited success over the last decade or so by creating microscopic atomic-level ‘forests’ of vertical tubes of carbon. — New Atlas, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing atomic

• atomic bomb
• atomic clock
• atomic energy
• atomic force microscope
• atomic layer deposition
• atomic mass
• atomic mass unit
• atomic number
• atomic pile
• atomic reactor
• atomic theory
• atomic weight
• gram-atomic weight

Rhymes for atomic

• adamic
• anomic
• islamic
• meramec
• tokamak
• anatomic
• antidromic
• astronomic
• autonomic
• cryptogamic
• diatomic
• economic

Kids Definition

atomic

adjective

atom·​ic ə-ˈtäm-ik 

1

: of, relating to, or concerned with atoms, atomic bombs, or nuclear energy

atomic physics

the atomic age

atomic energy

2

: extremely small

3

: found in the state of separate atoms

atomic hydrogen