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Atomic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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atomic

[əˈtɒmɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

physics

Of or relating to an atom or atoms. Characterized by atomic power or energy.

Synonyms

elemental, nuclear, subatomic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
atomic

Used when talking about something related to atoms or the smallest parts of matter. Often used in physics or chemistry.

  • The atomic structure of the molecule is quite complex
  • ; Atomic energy has the potential to change the world
nuclear

Used when referring to the nucleus of an atom, nuclear energy, or nuclear weapons. Often has a serious or potentially dangerous connotation.

  • The country invested heavily in nuclear power
  • ; The threat of nuclear war is a significant global concern
elemental

Used when referring to the basic or essential part of something. It can also refer to the elements in chemistry.

  • Water is vital for all known forms of life for its elemental composition
  • ; Fire and water are considered elemental forces of nature
subatomic

Used when talking about particles that are smaller than an atom, such as protons, neutrons, and electrons. This term is typically used in advanced physics.

  • Subatomic particles are the building blocks of atoms
  • ; Understanding subatomic interactions is critical for quantum mechanics

Examples of usage

  • The atomic structure of the molecule was studied in detail.
  • The atomic bomb caused widespread destruction.
Context #2 | Adjective

chemistry

Denoting a single atom or group of atoms.

Synonyms

elemental, individual, molecular.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
atomic

best suited when discussing the smallest units of chemical elements or energy on a very small scale, particularly in science, physics, and chemistry.

  • The atomic structure of an element determines its properties.
  • Scientists are studying atomic reactions.
molecular

used primarily in scientific contexts, particularly chemistry and biology, when discussing the structure, behavior, or composition of molecules.

  • Molecular biology studies the molecular basis of biological activity.
  • A molecular analysis can reveal a lot about the substance.
elemental

used when referring to the basic or essential aspects of something, often with a sense of being fundamental or primitive.

  • Air, water, and fire are considered elemental forces.
  • His response was driven by elemental needs.
individual

appropriate for describing something or someone as separate and distinct from others, often in the context of uniqueness or personal distinctiveness.

  • Each individual must make their own choices.
  • The artist has a very individual style.

Examples of usage

  • The compound had an atomic weight of 63.
  • The atomic structure of the element was analyzed.
Context #3 | Noun

physics

An extremely small amount of a thing; a tiny piece.

Synonyms

bit, fragment, particle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
atomic

Used primarily in scientific and technical contexts related to atoms or atomic energy.

  • The atomic structure of elements determines their properties.
  • Atomic energy is a powerful source of electricity.
particle

Used in scientific contexts to refer to minute portions of matter, often invisible to the naked eye.

  • The scientist studied the behavior of a single particle.
  • Particles of dust floated in the sunlight.
bit

Used to refer to a small piece or amount of something, often in informal contexts.

  • Can I have a bit of your sandwich?
  • There is a bit of dust on the shelf.
fragment

Used to describe a small part that has broken off from something larger, often in a literary or descriptive context.

  • She found a fragment of ancient pottery in the garden.
  • Only a fragment of the story was told.

Examples of usage

  • He had an atomic of patience left.
  • She won by an atomic in the race.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Atoms join together in different ways to form molecules, which are the basic units of chemical compounds.
  • The atomic theory, developed in the early 19th century by scientists like John Dalton, revolutionized our understanding of matter.
  • In nuclear physics, atomic nuclei can undergo reactions that release a substantial amount of energy, leading to nuclear power and weapons.

Pop Culture

  • Atomic symbols have been used in various movies and books, often representing advanced technology or powerful forces.
  • Many games and movies reference atomic bombs as a significant historical event, often linking them to themes of destruction and survival.

Philosophy

  • The concept of atomism dates back to ancient Greek philosophers like Democritus and Epicurus, who suggested that everything is made of small, indivisible particles.
  • This philosophical view laid a foundation for modern scientific inquiry and the quest to understand the nature of reality.

Technology

  • In recent years, atomic-scale technologies have evolved, leading to advances in fields like nanotechnology and quantum computing.
  • Atomic clocks are incredibly precise devices that help keep time accurately, making them essential for GPS technology.

Origin of 'atomic'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek word 'atomos', which means 'uncuttable' or 'indivisible'.
  • Historically, atoms were thought to be the smallest particles, until we discovered smaller components like protons, neutrons, and electrons.

The word 'atomic' originated in the early 17th century, derived from the Latin word 'atomicus' and the Greek word 'atomos', meaning 'indivisible'. The concept of the atom as the fundamental unit of matter has evolved over time, leading to the development of atomic theory in the 19th century by scientists such as John Dalton. The term 'atomic' gained prominence during the 20th century with the discovery of atomic energy and the atomic bomb.

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

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,123, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.