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Atomic: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：nuclear (atomic)
atomic
/əˈtɒm.ɪk/
adj.
Related to the powerful energy released by splitting or joining the core of an atom, like in an atomic bomb or power plant.
nuclear
➕
/ˈnuː.kli.ɚ/
adj.
Pertaining to the energy or weapons derived from reactions within atomic nuclei, such as fission or fusion.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Greek 'atomos' ('indivisible') + suffix '-ic' ('relating to').
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'A Tiny Object Makes Incredible Charge' to link 'atom' to immense power.
📖 Example
Scientists are looking for cleaner alternatives to atomic energy.
Scientists are looking for cleaner alternatives to nuclear energy.
🔗 Collocations
atomic bomb – a powerful explosive weapon using nuclear fission or fusion
atomic energy – energy released from nuclear reactions
atomic power – the generation of electricity using nuclear reactors
🔄 Synonyms
nuclear (adj.) – relating to or involving the nucleus of an atom, especially in weapons or energy production
thermonuclear (adj.) – involving nuclear reactions at very high temperatures, as in a hydrogen bomb
🚫 Antonyms
conventional (adj.) – referring to traditional, non-nuclear weapons or power sources
🌱 Derivatives
atomically (adv.) – in a manner relating to atoms or nuclear energy
atomicity (n.) – the number of atoms in a molecule or the state of being atomic
📖 Cultural Story
The term gained immense cultural weight in the mid-20th century with the advent of nuclear weapons and the Atomic Age, shaping geopolitics, scientific ethics, and energy policy debates.
Meaning 2：relating to atoms (atomic)
atomic
/əˈtɒm.ɪk/
adj.
Relating to atoms themselves, the tiny building blocks that make up everything in the universe.
relating to atoms
➕
/rɪˈleɪ.tɪŋ tuː ˈæt.əmz/
adj.
Connected to atoms as the fundamental units of matter, or to the scale of individual atoms.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The microscope allowed us to see the material's structure at an almost atomic level.
The microscope allowed us to see the material's structure at an almost atomic (atom-scale) level.
🔗 Collocations
atomic structure – the arrangement of parts within an atom
atomic scale – the dimension on the order of atoms (very tiny)
atomic weight – the average mass of atoms of an element
🔄 Synonyms
subatomic (adj.) – smaller than or occurring within an atom
microscopic (adj.) – so small as to be visible only with a microscope
🚫 Antonyms
macroscopic (adj.) – large enough to be seen by the naked eye
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