atomic

adjective

atom·​ic ə-ˈtä-mik 

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

b

: atomistic sense 2

3

: minute

4

of a chemical element : existing in the state of separate atoms

atomically

ə-ˈtä-mi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of atomic

• tiny
• minuscule
• microscopic
• miniature

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

Through this, the internal atomic interactions that drive the material’s superior energy storage and sensing were mapped. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026

An atomic chandelier hovers above the dining area. —Kristine Hansen, Architectural Digest, 30 Apr. 2026

The United States and Iran clashed over Tehran’s nuclear program as a review of the treaty meant to prevent the spread of atomic weapons got underway Monday at the United Nations, a confrontation almost certain to be repeated during the monthlong meeting. —ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026

For decades, the government offered some compensation to people with qualifying illnesses who had participated in atomic weapons testing or lived in certain areas when the tests occurred. —Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 26 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing atomic

• atomic bomb
• atomic clock
• atomic energy
• atomic force microscope
• atomic layer deposition
• atomic mass
• atomic mass unit
• atomic number
• atomic pile
• atomic reactor
• atomic theory
• atomic weight
• gram-atomic weight

Rhymes for atomic

• adamic
• anomic
• islamic
• meramec
• tokamak
• anatomic
• antidromic
• astronomic
• autonomic
• cryptogamic
• diatomic
• economic

Kids 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