atomic clock

noun

1. an extremely accurate electronic clock regulated by the resonance frequency of atoms or molecules of certain substances, as cesium.

atomic clock

noun

1. an extremely accurate clock in which an electrical oscillator is controlled by the natural vibrations of an atomic or molecular system such as caesium or ammonia

atomic clock

1. An extremely precise clock whose rate is controlled by a periodic process (such as vibration, or the absorption or emission of electromagnetic radiation) that occurs at a steady rate in atoms or molecules. The standard atomic clock is based on the vibrations of cesium atoms and is so accurate that it would gain or lose less than one second in three million years. Atomic clocks are used to help track satellites, run navigation systems, and study movements of the Earth's crust.

atomic clock

1. The most accurate clock available. Time is measured by the movement of electrons in cesium atoms . The standard second is now defined by measurements on an atomic clock.

Word History and Origins

Origin of atomic clock¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Light measurement devices called optical frequency combs have revolutionized metrology, spectroscopy, atomic clocks, and other applications.

From Science Daily

In a new study, researchers from the University of Copenhagen present a new method for measuring the time interval, the second, mitigating some of the limitations that today's most advanced atomic clocks encounter.

From Science Daily

Time is currently measured on Earth by hundreds of atomic clocks stationed around our planet which measure the changing energy state of atoms to record time to the nanosecond.

From BBC

As that lighthouselike beam sweeps past Earth, radio telescopes register pulses as regular as an atomic clock.

From Science Magazine

One of the most promising applications of this technology is in metrology, particularly in the development of compact atomic clocks.

From Science Daily