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
Synonyms of atomic
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
Such models have potential to deepen our understanding of the inner workings of atomic nuclei.
—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 2 Feb. 2026
Even though Earth’s atmosphere is sparse, it’s still made of atoms, and atoms have atomic nuclei.
—Big Think, 30 Jan. 2026
By smashing together heavy atoms of lead traveling at near-light speeds using the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), scientists can create a high-energy environment that briefly frees gluons and quarks from this atomic bondage, recreating the quark-gluon plasma of the early universe.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Their conductivity is limited by the strong interactions between free-moving electrons and atomic vibrations called phonons.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for atomic
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Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 2 Feb. 2026
Even though Earth’s atmosphere is sparse, it’s still made of atoms, and atoms have atomic nuclei.
—Big Think, 30 Jan. 2026
By smashing together heavy atoms of lead traveling at near-light speeds using the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), scientists can create a high-energy environment that briefly frees gluons and quarks from this atomic bondage, recreating the quark-gluon plasma of the early universe.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Their conductivity is limited by the strong interactions between free-moving electrons and atomic vibrations called phonons.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for atomic
Cite this Entry
“Atomic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atomic. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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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