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Definition of atom

atom

/ˈæt.əm/
at · om
Adverb:atomically
•
Plural:atoms
•
Adjective:atomic
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atom Lexical Profile

atom Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The basic unit of a chemical element, consisting of a dense central nucleus of protons and neutrons surrounded by a cloud of orbiting electrons.

Example

"A single molecule of water is composed of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom."

2

An extremely small amount, particle, or trace of something.

Example

"There was not an atom of truth in the rumors circulating around the office."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for atom

• Nearby Words

atmospherical
atmospherically
atoll
atom
atomic
atomically
atomize

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed via Old French and Latin from the Ancient Greek 'atomos', meaning 'indivisible' or 'uncuttable', formed from the privative prefix 'a-' ('not') and 'tomos' ('a cutting', from 'temnein', 'to cut'), reflecting the ancient philosophical concept of the smallest indivisible unit of matter.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Atom. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/atom
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