atomic

[ uh-tom-ik ]

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, resulting from, or using atoms, atomic energy, or atomic bombs:

   an atomic explosion.

2. propelled or driven by atomic energy:

   an atomic submarine.

3. Chemistry. existing as free, uncombined atoms.
4. extremely minute.

atomic

/ əˈtɒmɪk /

adjective

1. of, using, or characterized by atomic bombs or atomic energy

   atomic warfare

2. of, related to, or comprising atoms

   atomic hydrogen

3. extremely small; minute
4. logic (of a sentence, formula, etc) having no internal structure at the appropriate level of analysis. In predicate calculus, Fa is an atomic sentence and Fx an atomic predicate

atomic

/ ə-tŏm′ĭk /

1. Relating to an atom or to atoms.
2. Employing nuclear energy.

Derived Forms

• aˈtomically, adverb

Other Words From

• a·tomi·cal·ly adverb
• nona·tomic adjective
• nona·tomi·cal adjective
• nona·tomi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of atomic¹

First recorded in 1670–80; atom + -ic

Example Sentences

Trump's power doesn't come from some kind of single enriched core like an atomic or hydrogen bomb.

From Salon

When John Folkes was 19 years old, he was on board a plane ordered to fly through four atomic bomb mushroom clouds.

From BBC

Musk has long belittled fuel-cell vehicles and Trump has often talked about hydrogen cars blowing up like an “atomic bomb.”

From Los Angeles Times

For George Harrison, the November 1970 release of "All Things Must Pass" possessed all the subtlety of an atomic bomb.

From Salon

It was built in the 1950s as an observation post and was designed to house up to three people for up to three weeks in the event of an atomic strike.

From BBC

Related Words

• microscopic