atom
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.
Other meanings
A hypothetical particle posited by Greek philosophers as an ultimate and indivisible component of matter.
The smallest, indivisible constituent part or unit of something.
Kinds of atom
- isotope
- carbon atom
- hydrogen atom
- free radical
Related words
- atomsite
- adatom
- atomechanics
- atom feed
- atomerg
- atomism
- atomist
- atomistic
- atomization
- atomless
- atomlike
- atomology
Example sentences
Word history
From Ancient Greek "ἄτομος" (indivisible).
Where this comes from
This definition is adapted from “atom” on Wiktionary, by its contributors; example sentences are from Tatoeba, credited to their authors above; related-word lists use Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0, based on Princeton WordNet), published under CC BY-SA 4.0. This page is published under the same licence.