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atomic

adj. · n.
US //əˈtɑmɪk// UK //ɐtˈɒmɪk// atom·ic
  1. 1 relating to atoms (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    relating to atoms, which are the tiny building blocks of everything in the universe.

    pertaining to or consisting of atoms; relating to the structure and properties of the smallest units of a chemical element.

    Example

    Scientists use special microscopes to study the atomic structure of different metals.

    Example

    The researchers mapped the atomic arrangement of the crystal lattice to understand why the material became brittle at low temperatures.
  2. 2 nuclear energy (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    using or relating to the energy produced by splitting atoms.

    relating to or using energy derived from nuclear fission or fusion.

    Example

    The country decided to invest more in atomic power to reduce its carbon emissions.

    Example

    The mid-twentieth century saw a rapid expansion of atomic research as nations raced to harness the power of the nucleus for both energy and weaponry.
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  1. 3 indivisible (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    describing something that is a single unit and cannot be broken down into smaller parts.

    forming a single, irreducible unit; incapable of being split or divided into smaller components.

    Example

    In this theory, the individual is seen as the atomic unit of society.

    Example

    The philosopher argued that certain basic truths are atomic, meaning they cannot be explained by breaking them down into simpler concepts.
  2. 4 computing operations (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    in computer programming, an action that happens completely or not at all, with no middle state.

    referring to an operation that appears to be instantaneous to the rest of the system; it either completes entirely or fails with no partial effect.

    Example

    The database update must be atomic so that no data is lost if the power goes out.

    Example

    To prevent data corruption during concurrent access, the developer implemented an atomic transaction that locks the record until the update is finalised.
    • uninterruptible
  3. 5 computing unit (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Computing

    a single task in a computer program that cannot be interrupted.

    a discrete, uninterruptible operation within a multi-threaded or distributed computing environment.

    Example

    The system handles each atomic with high priority to ensure the software stays stable.

    Example

    The architecture relies on a series of atomics to manage state changes across the cluster without requiring a central coordinator.
Origin

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *né Proto-Indo-European *n̥- Proto-Hellenic *ə- Ancient Greek ἀ- (a-) Proto-Indo-European *temh₁- Proto-Indo-European *-né- Ancient Greek τέμνω (témnō) Proto-Indo-European *-ós Proto-Hellenic *-ós ▲ Ancient Greek -ος (-os)influ. Ancient Greek -ός (-ós) Ancient Greek τομός (tomós) Ancient Greek ἄτομος (átomos)bor. Latin atomusbor. Middle French athomebor. Middle English attome English atom Proto-Indo-European *-kos Proto-Italic *-kos Latin -cus Latin -icuslbor. Old French -iquebor. Middle English -ik English -ic ▲ New Latin atomus ▲ New Latin -icus New Latin atomicusbor. English atomic From atom + -ic, or borrowed from New Latin atomicus. Probably also a calque of French atomique.

Idioms1 entry

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