atomic clock

noun

: 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.
However, compared to a quantum clock, atomic clocks are as accurate as a one-dollar antique pocket watch that's been whacked several times with a coal hammer. David Szondy, New Atlas, 12 Jan. 2025 At their core, atomic clocks and nuclear clocks work using the same principle. Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 11 Sep. 2024 And make no mistake, even cesium atomic clocks are stunningly accurate. IEEE Spectrum, 24 June 2021 There was a time when atomic clocks looked like pretty hot stuff. David Szondy, New Atlas, 12 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near atomic clock

Cite this Entry

“Atomic clock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atomic%20clock. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

atomic clock

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

More from Merriam-Webster on atomic clock

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!