atomic theory

atomic theory

noun

Definition of ATOMIC THEORY

1

: a theory of the nature of matter: all material substances are composed of minute particles or atoms of a comparatively small number of kinds and all the atoms of the same kind are uniform in size, weight, and other properties—called also atomic hypothesis

2

: any of several theories of the structure of the atom; especially : one based on experimentation and theoretical considerations holding that the atom is composed essentially of a small positively charged comparatively heavy nucleus surrounded by a comparatively large arrangement of electrons