Definition

1. Verb:
   • To break up into very small particles or droplets: To reduce a substance into a fine spray, mist, or powder.
   • To destroy or obliterate by breaking into tiny fragments, as with a bomb: To reduce a target to atoms or minute parts.
   • To subject to the process of atomization: To convert into a state of separate atoms or fine particles.

Usage and Examples

• Verb:
  • The fuel injector is designed to atomise gasoline for efficient combustion.
  • The bomb was powerful enough to atomise the entire building.
  • This device atomises the liquid medication so it can be inhaled.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific/Technical Context: Often used in physics, chemistry, engineering, and military contexts to describe the process of making something into a fine dispersion.
  • The goal of the experiment was to atomise the metal using a high-energy laser.
• Figurative Use: Can be used metaphorically to describe complete disintegration or analysis into fundamental parts.
  • The critic's essay sought to atomise the complex themes of the novel.

Variants and Related Words

• Atomization (noun): The process or result of atomising something.
  • The atomization of the fuel is crucial for engine performance.
• Atomiser/Atomizer (noun): A device used for atomising a liquid, such as a perfume spray.
  • She used an atomiser to apply the scent.

Synonyms

• Pulverize: To reduce to fine particles.
• Vaporize: To convert into vapor.
• Disintegrate: To break into small parts.
• Spray: To disperse as fine particles.

Phrasal Verbs

(This word is typically not used in phrasal verb constructions.)

Related Idioms

(There are no common idioms specifically using the word 'atomise'.)

Verb

1. break up into small particles
   • the fine powder had been atomized by air
2. strike at with firepower or bombs
   • zap the enemy
3. spray very finely
   • atomize perfume