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Atom Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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atom

[ˈætəm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

chemistry

The smallest component of an element, characterized by its chemical properties.

Synonyms

elementary particle, molecule, particle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
atom

Used when talking about the smallest unit of a chemical element that retains its chemical properties.

  • Every element on the periodic table consists of atoms.
  • Water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
elementary particle

Used in the context of subatomic physics when referring to the basic building blocks of matter, such as quarks and electrons.

  • Electrons are considered elementary particles.
  • Physicists study elementary particles to understand the structure of the universe.
particle

A broad term used to describe a small portion of matter, which can range from atoms to subatomic particles in various contexts.

  • Dust particles floated in the sunlight.
  • In physics, particles like protons and neutrons form the nucleus of an atom.
molecule

Refers to a group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound that can take part in a chemical reaction.

  • A water molecule consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
  • Molecules interact in various ways to form different substances.

Examples of usage

  • A molecule of water consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
  • Carbon atoms can bond together to form various compounds.
  • The number of protons in an atom determines its atomic number.
Context #2 | Noun

physics

The basic unit of a chemical element, consisting of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons.

Synonyms

elementary particle, nucleus, particle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
atom

Use 'atom' when referring to the basic unit of a chemical element that retains its properties. This term is often used in chemistry and physics.

  • Water is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
  • The discovery of the atom changed our understanding of matter.
elementary particle

Use 'elementary particle' when discussing the fundamental constituents of matter that cannot be broken down into smaller components. This term is commonly used in high-energy physics and quantum mechanics.

  • Electrons, quarks, and photons are examples of elementary particles.
  • Scientists study elementary particles to understand the fundamental forces of nature.
particle

Use 'particle' as a general term for any small piece of matter, including atoms, molecules, and elementary particles. This term can be used in various scientific contexts.

  • Dust particles are often found in the air we breathe.
  • In physics, particles such as electrons and photons interact with each other.
nucleus

Use 'nucleus' when specifically talking about the central part of an atom, which contains protons and neutrons. This term is used in both chemistry and nuclear physics.

  • The nucleus of a carbon atom contains six protons and six neutrons.
  • Nuclear reactions involve changes in the nucleus of an atom.

Examples of usage

  • The nucleus of an atom contains positively charged protons and neutral neutrons.
  • Electrons orbit around the nucleus of an atom in specific energy levels.
  • Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons in their atoms.
Context #3 | Noun

computing

A fundamental unit of data storage in computing, typically representing a single piece of data.

Synonyms

bit, byte, data unit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
atom

Use in a general sense to describe a very small amount of something.

  • She didn’t have an atom of doubt about her decision.
  • Even the smallest atom of kindness can make a big difference.
data unit

Use in computing to refer to a standardized quantity of digital information, which can include bits, bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, etc.

  • A kilobyte is a data unit equal to 1024 bytes.
  • Understanding different data units is crucial for managing digital storage.
bit

Use in computing to describe the most basic unit of information in computing, representing a binary value of either 0 or 1.

  • A bit is the fundamental building block of digital information.
  • This computer can process millions of bits per second.
byte

Use in computing to describe a unit of digital information that consists of eight bits.

  • A single character on a computer is usually represented by one byte.
  • The file size is 10 megabytes.

Examples of usage

  • In computer programming, a byte is composed of 8 bits, each of which is represented by an atom of data.
  • An atom in a database table corresponds to a single value in a record.
  • The smallest addressable unit of memory is considered an atom in computing.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • Atoms consist of protons, neutrons, and electrons, which are arranged in a specific way, forming the basis of chemical reactions.
  • The number of protons in an atom’s nucleus defines what element it is; for example, hydrogen has one proton, while oxygen has eight.
  • Atoms can bond together to form molecules, which are responsible for the physical and chemical properties we observe in matter.

Literature

  • In literature, the concept of atoms has been used metaphorically to describe the building blocks of thought, emotion, and existence.
  • Famous author Douglas Adams explored the idea of the universe being made of atoms in his science fiction work, often emphasizing absurdity and complexity.
  • Poet John Keats referenced the wonders of nature at a microscopic level, bringing attention to the minute atoms in his poetic imagery.

Pop Culture

  • In popular movies like 'Ant-Man,' the concept of shrinking to atomic sizes allows characters to explore the world of atoms and subatomic particles.
  • The Marvel superhero Iron Man, also known as Tony Stark, utilizes technology at the atomic level to create his suits.
  • Video games such as 'Spore' allow players to manipulate life at the atomic level, showcasing the varying complexities of biological development.

Philosophy

  • In ancient philosophy, the atomistic theory proposed that all matter is composed of small indivisible particles, shaping modern scientific thought.
  • Philosopher Epicurus emphasized that understanding atoms can lead to a better life, connecting physical existence with happiness.
  • Many modern philosophers debate the implications of atomic theory on identity, consciousness, and reality itself.

Origin of 'atom'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'atom' comes from the Greek word 'atomos,' meaning 'uncut' or 'indivisible.'
  • Philosophers like Democritus first suggested the existence of tiny atoms around 400 BC.
  • In the 19th century, John Dalton developed the atomic theory, claiming that each element consists of unique atoms.

The word 'atom' originates from the Greek word 'atomos', meaning indivisible. The concept of atoms as the fundamental building blocks of matter dates back to ancient Greek philosophers such as Democritus. In the 19th century, John Dalton developed the modern atomic theory, which proposed that elements are composed of small, indivisible particles called atoms. The discovery of subatomic particles like protons, neutrons, and electrons further expanded our understanding of the structure of atoms.

See also: atomic, atomization, atomize, atomizer, atomizing, subatomic.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,730, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.