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
3
: minute
4
of a chemical element
: existing in the state of separate atoms
Synonyms
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
His co-discovery of the Aharonov-Bohm Effect in 1959 on the action of atomic particles around a magnetic field is considered today one of the cornerstones of modern physics.
—
Jonathan Horwitz, Orange County Register, 19 June 2024
All samples were assayed using a 50g nominal weight fire assay with atomic absorption finish (Au-AA24) and multi-element four acid digest ICP-AES/ICP-MS method (ME-MS61).
—Sacramento Bee, 19 June 2024
Occasionally, heavy atomic nuclei spontaneously—and for no good reason—transform themselves, with either a neutron converting into a proton or vice-versa.
—Paul Sutter, Ars Technica, 11 June 2024
How is Godzilla defeated? Unable to move, an angry Godzilla fires up his atomic breath in an attempt to kill all those sailors once and for all.
—EW.com, 11 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for atomic 
Jonathan Horwitz, Orange County Register, 19 June 2024
All samples were assayed using a 50g nominal weight fire assay with atomic absorption finish (Au-AA24) and multi-element four acid digest ICP-AES/ICP-MS method (ME-MS61).
—Sacramento Bee, 19 June 2024
Occasionally, heavy atomic nuclei spontaneously—and for no good reason—transform themselves, with either a neutron converting into a proton or vice-versa.
—Paul Sutter, Ars Technica, 11 June 2024
How is Godzilla defeated? Unable to move, an angry Godzilla fires up his atomic breath in an attempt to kill all those sailors once and for all.
—EW.com, 11 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for atomic
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'atomic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near atomic
Cite this Entry
“Atomic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atomic. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
atomic
adjective
atom·ic
ə-ˈtäm-ik 
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share