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
3
: minute
4
of a chemical element
: existing in the state of separate atoms
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
Significance of the cluster formation process By mapping the step-by-step growth of nanoclusters, the study authors have provided a rare glimpse into how atomic building blocks come together.
—
Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2025
These particles, known as cosmic rays, are mostly composed of single protons, although heavier atomic nuclei, electrons, positrons (the antimatter counterpart of electrons), and neutrinos are all present as well.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 4 Sep. 2025
The specter of atomic annihilation, once such a major part of our collective fears, has been dormant for so long, even as the danger hasn’t decreased.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2025
That is, until experimental atomic physicist Tim Gay cracked the case within the last few years.
—Regina G. Barber, NPR, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for atomic
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Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2025
These particles, known as cosmic rays, are mostly composed of single protons, although heavier atomic nuclei, electrons, positrons (the antimatter counterpart of electrons), and neutrinos are all present as well.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 4 Sep. 2025
The specter of atomic annihilation, once such a major part of our collective fears, has been dormant for so long, even as the danger hasn’t decreased.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2025
That is, until experimental atomic physicist Tim Gay cracked the case within the last few years.
—Regina G. Barber, NPR, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for atomic
Cite this Entry
“Atomic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atomic. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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