atomic

adjective

atom·​ic ə-ˈtä-mik How to pronounce atomic (audio)
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
atomically adverb

Example Sentences

made atomic adjustments to the clock's mechanism to keep it from whirring as it ran
Recent Examples on the Web The group will also gain control of scientific research and development – including atomic development. Peter Aitken, Fox News, 11 May 2023 In the sci-fi feature World Without End (1956), written and directed by Edward Bernds, Montell portrayed a woman on Earth in the 26th century, hundreds of years after a devastating atomic war, who falls for an accidental time-traveling astronaut (Taylor). Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 May 2023 Iran’s developing alliances with Russia and China have aided its atomic progress. Reuel Marc Gerecht, wsj.com, 8 May 2023 They were also constructed of ‘50s atomic nightmares and a fear of science run amok. Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2023 The Bulletin was founded in 1945 by Albert Einstein and University of Chicago scientists who helped develop the first atomic weapons at the Manhattan Project. Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2023 The discovery could help physicists understand what goes on inside an atomic nucleus. Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 11 Jan. 2023 When asked about Pacific nations’ concerns, a representative for the Japanese Foreign Ministry said that as the only country to have suffered from atomic bombings in war and given its connection with the 1954 test, Japan empathized with their fears around radiation exposure. Pete Mckenzie, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2022 Scientists have been chasing the promise of fusion since the dawn of the atomic age, but had yet to cross a threshold in which more energy was created by a fusion reaction than the energy needed to produce it. Josh Lederman, NBC News, 13 Dec. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'atomic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of atomic was in 1678

Cite this Entry

“Atomic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atomic. Accessed 7 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

atomic

adjective
atom·​ic ə-ˈtäm-ik How to pronounce atomic (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on atomic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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