Atom — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈa-təm/ at·om

Meaning & Definition of Atom

Atom (noun)

  1. the smallest particle of an element that can exist either alone or in combination
  2. the atom considered as a source of vast potential constructive or destructive energy
  3. a tiny particle, bit

Atom (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a very small piece

    "give me just one atom of information about the novel's surprise ending"

    similar: bit, crumb, dribble, fleck, flyspeck, grain, granule, molecule, morsel, mote, nubbin, nugget, particle, patch, scrap, scruple, snip, snippet, speck, tittle
    related: ace, dab, dash, driblet, drop, fraction, haet (chiefly Scottish), halfpenny, ha'penny, iota, jot, kenning (chiefly Scottish), lick, minim, mite, modicum, nutshell, ounce, pinch, shred, smatter, smidgen, spot, strain, streak, suspicion, taste, touch, trace, whisper, whit, bite, mouthful, nibble, tidbit, fragment, part, portion, section, chip, flake, shard, shiver, sliver, splinter, clipping, paring, shaving, smithereens
    near: chunk, gob, hunk, lump, slab, abundance, barrel, bucket, bushel, deal, heaps, loads, mass, mountain, peck, pile, pot, profusion, quantity, raft, scads, stack, volume, wad, wealth

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Atom

The most common words with a similar meaning to Atom:

bit, crumb, dribble, fleck, flyspeck, grain, granule, molecule, morsel, mote, nubbin, nugget, particle, patch, scrap, scruple, snip, snippet, speck, tittle

Related Words for Atom

ace, dab, dash, driblet, drop, fraction, haet, halfpenny, ha'penny, iota, jot, kenning, lick, minim, mite, modicum, nutshell, ounce, pinch, shred, smatter, smidgen, spot, strain, streak, suspicion, taste, touch, trace, whisper

Near Antonyms of Atom

chunk, gob, hunk, lump, slab, abundance, barrel, bucket, bushel, deal, heaps, loads, mass, mountain, peck, pile, pot, profusion, quantity, raft, scads, stack, volume, wad, wealth

Origin & Etymology of Atom

Middle English, from Latin atomus, from Greek atomos, from atomos indivisible, from a- + temnein to cut

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Atom

  • Topics: Science & Research

Words & Phrases Containing Atom

atom smasher, atomic bomb, gram-atomic weight

Frequently Asked Questions about Atom

What does "Atom" mean?

"Atom" means the smallest particle of an element that can exist either alone or in combination. As a noun, it is defined as: the smallest particle of an element that can exist either alone or in combination.

What is another word for "Atom"?

Other words for "Atom" include bit, crumb, dribble, fleck, flyspeck, grain, granule and molecule. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Atom" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Atom"?

There are 69 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Atom". Common alternatives include bit, crumb, dribble, fleck, flyspeck, grain, granule, molecule, morsel and mote.

How do you use "Atom" in a sentence?

Examples of "Atom" in a sentence: "give me just one atom of information about the novel's surprise ending".

Is "Atom" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Atom" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Atom"?

"Atom" is pronounced /ˈa-təm/ and divided into syllables as at·om.

What is the origin of the word "Atom"?

"Atom" comes from Middle English, from Latin atomus, from Greek atomos, from atomos indivisible, from a- + temnein to cut. First known use: 15th century.

What is another word for "Atom" meaning "a very small piece"?

When "Atom" (noun) means a very small piece, synonyms include bit, crumb, dribble, fleck, flyspeck and grain.