subatomic

adjective

sub·​atom·​ic ˌsəb-ə-ˈtä-mik How to pronounce subatomic (audio)
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
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In the quantum world, subatomic particles can enter quantum states of superposition (being in multiple states simultaneously) and entanglement (when two particles become linked, no matter how far apart). Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 24 June 2025 Neutrinos are very common and incredibly small, being the subatomic particle with the smallest mass. Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 16 June 2025 An alternative take would be that the result—the most precise measurement ever made of the magnetic wobble of a strange subatomic particle called the muon—still remains the most significant challenge to the Standard Model’s supremacy. Eleni Petrakou, Scientific American, 8 June 2025 This approach has proved enormously successful, explaining everything from the behavior of subatomic particles to the evolution of the entire universe. Paul Sutter, Space.com, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for subatomic

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subatomic was in 1874

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Cite this Entry

“Subatomic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subatomic. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

subatomic

adjective
sub·​atom·​ic ˌsəb-ə-ˈtäm-ik How to pronounce subatomic (audio)
1
: of or relating to the inside of the atom
2
: of, relating to, or being particles smaller than atoms
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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