Atom

Quick meaning: Atom is a noun meaning (history of science) A hypothetical particle posited by Greek philosophers as an ultimate and indivisible component of matter.

Meaning

(history of science) A hypothetical particle posited by Greek philosophers as an ultimate and indivisible component of matter.

More Meanings

1. (now generally regarded figuratively) The smallest, indivisible constituent part or unit of something.
2. (philosophy) In logical atomism, a fundamental fact that cannot be further broken down.
3. A mote of dust in a sunbeam.
4. A very small amount; a whit.
5. (programming, Lisp) An individual number or symbol, as opposed to a list; a scalar value.
6. (chemistry, physics) The smallest possible amount of matter which still retains its identity as a chemical element, now known to consist of a nucleus surrounded by electrons.
7. (historical) The smallest medieval unit of time, equal to fifteen ninety-fourths of a second.

Example Sentences

In a Venn diagram, an atom is depicted as an area circumscribed by lines but not cut by any line.

But at this critical moment the pirate astern sent a mischievous shot and knocked one of the men to atoms at the helm.

Towards the following morning, the thermometer fell to 5°; and at daylight, there was not an atom of water to be seen in any direction.

"Doctor, tell me one word more," said Theodore, quivering with suppressed emotion. "How do you think it will end?" / "I have hardly the faintest atom of hope," answered this honest, earnest man.

Word Forms

• atoms

Synonyms for atom

Depending on context, synonyms include particle, speck, ace, atomy, aught, bissel.

Antonyms for atom

Common opposites include coatom.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include mote, speck, particle, atomic, nuclear, supercell.

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