atomic clock

noun

Synonyms of atomic clocknext
: a precision clock that depends for its operation on an electrical oscillator regulated by the natural vibration frequencies of an atomic system (such as a beam of cesium atoms)

Examples of atomic clock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Today, Earth's GPS satellites continuously broadcast timing signals generated by onboard atomic clocks. Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 19 May 2026 Infleqtion, by contrast, is pursuing a broader strategy that includes quantum computing, quantum sensing, atomic clocks and software, providing revenue today to fund an aggressive development roadmap to quantum advantage. Karl Freund, Forbes.com, 14 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 That is in part because Starlink satellites have less precise timekeeping capabilities compared to dedicated GNSS satellites equipped with atomic clocks. Andrew Cunningham, ArsTechnica, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for atomic clock

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of atomic clock was in 1924

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Cite this Entry

“Atomic clock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atomic%20clock. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

atomic clock

noun
: an extremely exact clock that depends for its operation on the natural vibrations of atoms (as of cesium)

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