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

The United Nations' atomic watchdog likely would be critical in any deal. —Arkansas Online, 27 Feb. 2026

The United Nations’ atomic watchdog likely would be critical in any deal. —Jamey Keaten, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026

Listen to the full episode to hear Misti get into the real solutions being researched right now, including ritualistic atomic priesthood, songs, and stories. —Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 25 Feb. 2026

Shortly thereafter, the electron (1897) and the atomic nucleus (1911) were discovered. —Big Think, 23 Feb. 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