subatomic

adjective

sub·​atom·​ic ˌsəb-ə-ˈtä-mik 

1

: of or relating to the inside of the atom

2

: of, relating to, or being particles smaller than atoms

Examples of subatomic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ross-Lonergan analyzes data from Microboone, which checks Miniboone’s work by using next-generation technology capable of tracking the subatomic fireworks neutrinos can produce. —Quanta Magazine, 8 Apr. 2026

The forgetting here is something of a dangerous metaphor that anthropomorphizes subatomic particles which have no consciousness. —Literary Hub, 7 Apr. 2026

Cosmic rays are a mix of different subatomic particles, including helium nuclei (two protons and two neutrons bound together) or even heavier elements. —Phil Plait, Scientific American, 3 Apr. 2026

The multiverse is one way to understand the behavior of very, very small things, such as atoms and subatomic particles. —Zachary Slepian, The Conversation, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for subatomic

• anatomic
• antidromic
• astronomic
• autonomic
• cryptogamic
• diatomic
• economic
• ergonomic
• gastronomic
• monatomic
• psychonomic
• taxonomic

Medical Definition

subatomic

adjective

sub·​atom·​ic ˌsəb-ə-ˈtäm-ik 

1

: of or relating to the inside of the atom

2

: of, relating to, or being particles smaller than atoms