atomic

adjective

atom·​ic ə-ˈtä-mik How to pronounce atomic (audio)
Synonyms of atomicnext
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 How to pronounce atomic (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of atomic

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This allowed the researchers to hold the atomic wave stationary relative to the lab and the Earth. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026 More than 3,200 pistons distort two flexible mirrors with near atomic-scale precision to account for blemishes. — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 As the cosmos cooled and expanded, the free-floating quarks and gluons started binding together to create the building blocks of all matter, including all those necessary atomic protons and neutrons. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for atomic

Word History

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of atomic was in 1678

Phrases Containing atomic

Rhymes for atomic

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Browse Nearby Words

atom beam
atomic
atomic absorption spectrometer
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Cite this Entry

“Atomic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atomic. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

atomic

adjective
atom·​ic ə-ˈtäm-ik How to pronounce atomic (audio)
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
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