atom

noun

(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.

(now generally regarded figuratively) The smallest, indivisible constituent part or unit of something.

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

A very small amount; a whit.

A mote of dust in a sunbeam.

(programming, Lisp) An individual number or symbol, as opposed to a list; a scalar value.

(programming, Microsoft Windows) An integer representing a particular string.

(mathematics) A non-zero member of a partially ordered set that has only zero below it (assuming that the poset has a least element, its "zero").

(mathematics, set theory) An element of a set that is not itself a set; an urelement.

(Canada, usually attributive) An age group division in hockey for nine- to eleven-year-olds.

(philosophy) In logical atomism, a fundamental fact that cannot be further broken down.

A Meitei surname from Manipuri

(historical) The smallest medieval unit of time, equal to fifteen ninety-fourths of a second.

Roots

temno-tom · Greek · cut

Synonyms for atom

particlen moleculen moten nucliden

Synonyms & related words for atom

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of atom — including particle, molecule, mote, nuclide. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to atom

Explore words related to atom — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include tetratomic, protons, atomic, pentatomic, electrons, interatomic, neutrons, triatomic. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for atom

Common synonyms for atom include particle, molecule, mote, nuclide — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does atom come from?

The word atom breaks down into one root of Greek origin: the root -tom, from Greek temno (“cut”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.