atom
noun
Simple meaning
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.
Pronunciation
Say it like this:
atuhmSay the bold part a little louder.
IPA pronunciation (US)
ˈætəm
This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.
Definition
Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.
noun
chemistryphysics
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.
A very small amount; a whit.
chemistryphysicsphysics and chemistry
The smallest component of an element having the chemical properties of the element
A mote of dust in a sunbeam.
history of science
A hypothetical particle posited by Greek philosophers as an ultimate and indivisible component of matter.
Word Aura™
How this word commonly comes across.
Aura for this meaning
This meaning: 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.
Used this way, atom is a specialist word that usually carries little praise or criticism of its own. It stays understated rather than dramatic. This is a scientific use: it names something precisely within a field of study, so it appears in research and teaching more than in conversation.
- Emotional tone
- Neutral
- Formality
- Specialist/technical
- Intensity
- Mild
- How common
- Specialized
- Connotation
- Clinical and technical
- Usage feel
- Technical and specialized
Where it naturally appears
- Science
- Academic writing
- Technical/specialist writing
Usage note
In general conversation this sense usually needs explaining — outside its field, people reach for a plainer word.
Nearby words
- molecule , a specialist term, precise but narrower
Word Aura describes common impressions, not a measurement. Tone changes with sentence, speaker, relationship and situation.
More ways to use atom
- “An atom is the smallest unit of matter you can find.”noun
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