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
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
Few had the training and orientation to be able to apply theories about atomic physics to the study of the stars.
—
Elizabeth Landau, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Mar. 2025
Driven by public protest and political agendas, nations like Germany accelerated their atomic phase-out, shifting decisively toward renewables.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
The leaders of Russia and North Korea keep rattling their atomic sabers.
—Andreas Kluth, Twin Cities, 16 Mar. 2025
Radioactive decay, or nuclear decay, happens when an unstable atomic nucleus spontaneously and randomly emits particles and energy to reach a more stable configuration.
—Benjamin Roulston, The Conversation, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for atomic
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Elizabeth Landau, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Mar. 2025
Driven by public protest and political agendas, nations like Germany accelerated their atomic phase-out, shifting decisively toward renewables.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
The leaders of Russia and North Korea keep rattling their atomic sabers.
—Andreas Kluth, Twin Cities, 16 Mar. 2025
Radioactive decay, or nuclear decay, happens when an unstable atomic nucleus spontaneously and randomly emits particles and energy to reach a more stable configuration.
—Benjamin Roulston, The Conversation, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for atomic
Cite this Entry
“Atomic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atomic. Accessed 27 Mar. 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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