atom

word

/ˈætəm/
A-duhm
/ˈætəm/
A-duhm

Definition

An atom is the smallest unit of an element that still has all the properties of that element. Atoms are the basic building blocks of all matter.

Usage & Nuances

'Atom' is mainly used in scientific and educational contexts. It can sometimes be used figuratively to mean something extremely small, as in 'not an atom of doubt.' Often appears in phrases like 'split the atom' or 'atomic structure.'

Example Sentences

Each atom has a center called a nucleus.

basic

When you split an atom, a huge amount of energy is released.

natural

She’s studying atomic structure in her chemistry class.

natural

There's not an atom of truth in that rumor.

natural

An atom is too small to see without special tools.

basic

Everything around us is made of atoms.

basic