subatomic

adjective

sub·​atom·​ic ˌsəb-ə-ˈtä-mik 

1

: of or relating to the inside of the atom

2

: of, relating to, or being particles smaller than atoms

Examples of subatomic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Measuring subatomic particles in a comet millions of miles away required some of the most sensitive tools available. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 23 Apr. 2026

Following the Big Bang, the universe was a uniform soup of subatomic particles. — Becky Ferreira, Wired News, 23 May 2026

Constantina Zavitsanos scales down even further, to the subatomic level. — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 May 2026

Billions of dollars are pouring into quantum computing – a budding field that relies on the sometimes surprising behavior of subatomic particles to process information. — Donald Keough, Christian Science Monitor, 27 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for subatomic

• anatomic
• antidromic
• astronomic
• autonomic
• cryptogamic
• diatomic
• economic
• ergonomic
• gastronomic
• monatomic
• psychonomic
• taxonomic

Medical Definition

subatomic

adjective

sub·​atom·​ic ˌsəb-ə-ˈtäm-ik 

1

: of or relating to the inside of the atom

2

: of, relating to, or being particles smaller than atoms