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

Neutrinos are subatomic particles that have no charge and almost no mass. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 10 Nov. 2026

An emerging field, quantum technology operates at the subatomic level, building devices that detect, harness and leverage the tiniest particles to make potentially enormous advances in a wide range of applications. — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026

That finding is interesting because the processes that produce neutrinos – namely the decay of subatomic particles – should also produce high-energy electromagnetic radiation – namely gamma rays. — Yjan Gordon, The Conversation, 30 Oct. 2026

Experimental evidence for the equation, however, remained restricted to the subatomic domain for many decades. — Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 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