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 of atomic
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
Its equipment specializes in thin-film deposition, which is the process of coating thin-film (atomic level) layers of chemicals onto a surface, such as a silicon wafer or glass substrate.
—
Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Finally, optical systems read out tiny atomic changes and convert them into usable RF information.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 17 May 2026
To get extremely precise atomic measurements, Raizen proposes an experiment using a laser to cool and trap individual isotopes—variants of atoms—in an extremely precise atomic clock.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 13 May 2026
The last nuclear arms pact, known as the New START treaty, between Russia and the United States expired in February, removing any caps on the two largest atomic arsenals for the first time in more than a half-century.
—Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for atomic
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Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Finally, optical systems read out tiny atomic changes and convert them into usable RF information.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 17 May 2026
To get extremely precise atomic measurements, Raizen proposes an experiment using a laser to cool and trap individual isotopes—variants of atoms—in an extremely precise atomic clock.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 13 May 2026
The last nuclear arms pact, known as the New START treaty, between Russia and the United States expired in February, removing any caps on the two largest atomic arsenals for the first time in more than a half-century.
—Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for atomic
Cite this Entry
“Atomic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atomic. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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
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