A1 noun Neutral

atomic

/əˈtɒm.ɪk/

Atomic relates to the very small parts called atoms that make up everything in the world. It is often used to describe science, energy, or very small things.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The scientist studied the atomic parts of the rock.

The scientist studied the atomic parts of the rock.

2

The international treaty governs the use of atomic energy.

The international treaty governs the use of atomic energy.

3

This watch is so precise because it uses an atomic clock.

This watch is so precise because it uses an atomic clock.

Word Family

Noun
atom
Verb
atomize
Adverb
atomically
Adjective
atomic
Related
atomicity
💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'A-Tom': a very small person (atom) who has 'atomic' (giant) power.

Quick Quiz

The power plant produces _____ energy for the whole city.

Correct!

The correct answer is: atomic

Examples

1

The scientist studied the atomic parts of the rock.

everyday

The scientist studied the atomic parts of the rock.

2

The international treaty governs the use of atomic energy.

formal

The international treaty governs the use of atomic energy.

3

This watch is so precise because it uses an atomic clock.

informal

This watch is so precise because it uses an atomic clock.

4

Each element has a specific atomic number on the periodic table.

academic

Each element has a specific atomic number on the periodic table.

5

Our company is investing in new atomic power technology.

business

Our company is investing in new atomic power technology.

Word Family

Noun
atom
Verb
atomize
Adverb
atomically
Adjective
atomic
Related
atomicity

Common Collocations

atomic energy power created by atoms
atomic bomb a powerful weapon using nuclear energy
atomic number the number of protons in an atom
atomic clock a very accurate type of clock
atomic structure the way an atom is organized

Common Phrases

atomic age

the period of history after the first nuclear bomb

atomic level

looking at things at the scale of atoms

atomic weight

the mass of a single atom

Often Confused With

atomic vs automatic

Automatic means a machine works by itself; atomic refers to science and atoms.

📝

Usage Notes

Use this word when talking about science, chemistry, or nuclear power. It is almost always used as an adjective before a noun.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Some learners use 'atomic' when they mean 'automatic' because the words sound similar.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'A-Tom': a very small person (atom) who has 'atomic' (giant) power.

📖

Word Origin

From the Greek 'atomos', meaning 'something that cannot be divided or cut'.

Grammar Patterns

Used as an adjective before a noun. Does not have a comparative form (you cannot say 'more atomic').
🌍

Cultural Context

The term 'Atomic Age' refers to the 1950s culture when people were both excited and scared by nuclear technology.

Quick Quiz

The power plant produces _____ energy for the whole city.

Correct!

The correct answer is: atomic

More science words

hypothesize

B2

To suggest a possible explanation for something based on limited evidence, used as a starting point for further investigation.

velocity

A1

Velocity describes how fast an object moves in a specific direction. It is a technical word for speed used often in science and math.

momentum

A1

Momentum is the power that a moving object has to keep moving. It depends on how heavy the object is and how fast it is going. It is also used to describe a plan or project that is growing and becoming more successful.

magnetism

A1

Magnetism is a physical force that pulls certain metals toward each other or pushes them away. It is also used to describe a special charm that attracts people to a person.

radiation

A1

Radiation is energy that travels through space as waves or very small particles. It comes from natural sources like the sun and from machines like X-rays in hospitals.

wavelength

A1

Wavelength is the distance between two peaks of a light or sound wave. It is also used to describe when people have the same ideas and understand each other.

optics

A1

Optics is the branch of science that studies light and how it interacts with things like lenses and mirrors. In modern usage, it also refers to how an event or action is seen by the public.

thermodynamics

A1

Thermodynamics is the study of heat and how it moves. It explains how energy changes from one form to another, such as how heat can turn into movement.

atom

A1

An atom is the smallest possible part of a chemical element. Everything in the world is made of millions of these very tiny particles.

reaction

A1

A reaction is a response to an action or a situation. In science, it is what happens when two or more substances are mixed together to create a change.

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