atom
/'ætəm/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- (General usage) A minute particle or fragment of something: In non-technical contexts, an "atom" refers to a very small piece or amount of any substance.
- (Physics and Chemistry) The fundamental unit of matter: The smallest particle of a chemical element that retains all the chemical properties of that element. It consists of a nucleus (containing protons and neutrons) surrounded by electrons.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (General):
- There is not an atom of truth in his story. (There is not even the smallest amount of truth in his story.)
- The glass shattered into atoms. (The glass broke into tiny fragments.)
- Noun (Scientific):
- A molecule of water consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
- In this experiment, we will observe the behavior of a single atom.
Advanced Usage
- Atom of: Used to emphasize an extremely small or negligible amount of something (often an abstract quality).
- He doesn't have an atom of sense. (He lacks even the smallest amount of common sense.)
- Atomic: The adjective form relating to atoms or atomic energy.
- Atomic structure is a fundamental topic in chemistry.
- The treaty aims to prevent the spread of atomic weapons.
Variants and Related Words
- Atomic (adj): Pertaining to atoms.
- Atomic mass, atomic number.
- Subatomic (adj): Smaller than or occurring within an atom.
- Protons and electrons are subatomic particles.
Synonyms
- Particle: A minute portion of matter.
- Mote: A tiny piece of a substance.
- Speck: A very small spot or particle.
- Iota: An extremely small amount (often used for abstract things).
Related Phrases and Compounds
- Atom bomb: A bomb whose explosive power comes from nuclear fission.
- Atom smasher: An informal term for a particle accelerator.
- Atomizer: A device that releases a substance as a fine spray.
Related Idioms
- Not an atom of...: Not even the smallest amount of something.
- She showed not an atom of fear. (She showed no fear at all.)
- Break/smash something to atoms: To shatter something completely into tiny pieces.
- The vase fell and smashed to atoms on the floor.
Noun
- (nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything
- (physics and chemistry) the smallest component of an element having the chemical properties of the element