atomic clock

noun

: a precision clock that depends for its operation on an electrical oscillator regulated by the natural vibration frequencies of an atomic system (such as a beam of cesium atoms)

Examples of atomic clock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In his view, society’s obsession with calibrating units of time had begun in 1955 with the invention of the atomic clock. — David Friend, Vanity Fair, 10 Sep. 2026

Yet for all their accuracy, atomic clocks are also extremely delicate. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026

The same is true for technologies such as atomic clocks and quantum magnetometers, which are already relatively mature and have many practical applications. — IEEE Spectrum, 12 Aug. 2026

Today, Earth's GPS satellites continuously broadcast timing signals generated by onboard atomic clocks. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 19 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for atomic clock

• electroshock
• aftershock
• antiknock
• arawak
• hollyhock
• interlock
• manioc
• shuttlecock
• tomahawk
• weathercock
• alcock
• beanstalk

Kids Definition

atomic clock

noun

: an extremely exact clock that depends for its operation on the natural vibrations of atoms (as of cesium)