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

In naming the space and electric car tycoon and the healthcare entrepreneur to head a new Department of Government Efficiency, Trump said he expected them to drive “radical change,” something like the Manhattan Project, the government initiative that created the atomic bomb during World War II.

From Los Angeles Times

Last Oscar season, Christopher Nolan proved that Academy voters can and will award their top trophy to a major hit: “Oppenheimer,” the director’s moody biopic about the scientist who developed the atomic bomb, ranks as the third highest grossing best picture winner, exponentially more successful at the box office than its recent predecessors.

From Los Angeles Times

But if South Korea or Japan built their own atomic weapons, tensions would escalate and an arms race would break out in East Asia.

From Slate

In 2023 the Science and Security Board of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists shifted the countdown to 90.

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