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
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
An atomic wedgie is classified as one in which a person's underwear is pulled above the victim's head or higher.
—
Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 31 Jan. 2025
Individuals including atomic physicist Rudolf Ladenburg and Nobel-winning physicist James Franck – both of whom, like Einstein, left Germany for the United States in the early 1930s – also played pivotal parts.
—Barbara Spindel, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Jan. 2025
At the top of that list is nuclear fusion, a process that could generate abundant clean energy by combining atomic nuclei at extremely high temperatures.
—Justin Worland, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025
Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images Humanity is closer than ever to catastrophe, according to the atomic scientists behind the Doomsday Clock.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 29 Jan. 2025
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Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 31 Jan. 2025
Individuals including atomic physicist Rudolf Ladenburg and Nobel-winning physicist James Franck – both of whom, like Einstein, left Germany for the United States in the early 1930s – also played pivotal parts.
—Barbara Spindel, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Jan. 2025
At the top of that list is nuclear fusion, a process that could generate abundant clean energy by combining atomic nuclei at extremely high temperatures.
—Justin Worland, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025
Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images Humanity is closer than ever to catastrophe, according to the atomic scientists behind the Doomsday Clock.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for atomic
Dictionary Entries Near atomic
Cite this Entry
“Atomic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atomic. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
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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