Bohr theory

noun

: a theory in early quantum physics: an atom consists of a positively charged nucleus about which revolves one or more electrons of quantized energy

Word History

Etymology

Niels Bohr

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of Bohr theory was in 1914

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

Bohr radius

Bohr theory

bohunk

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Bohr theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Bohr%20theory. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

Bohr theory

noun

: a theory in early quantum physics: an atom consists of a positively charged nucleus about which revolves one or more electrons of quantized energy

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

spontaneous

Listen to the pronunciation of spontaneous

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What’s the difference between ‘cemetery’ and ‘graveyard’?

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

Skibidi, Mog & More: Gen Alpha Slang

13 Wonderful Words That You're Not Using (Yet)

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

Birds Say the Darndest Things

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Skibidi, Mog & More: Gen Alpha Slang

13 Wonderful Words That You're Not Using (Yet)