atomy
Definition
- Noun:
- An atom; a tiny particle: "atomy" historically refers to an atom or an extremely small, indivisible unit of matter.
- A minute creature or object: It can denote something very small, such as a tiny being or a minuscule object.
- A skeleton or emaciated person: In older usage, "atomy" also means a skeleton or a person who is extremely thin, almost like a walking skeleton.
Usage Examples
- (A tiny, fundamental particle.)
- (A very small particle.)
- (An emaciated, skeletal person.)
Advanced Usage
- "atomy" (archaic): This word is largely obsolete in modern English, except in poetic or historical contexts. It is often used to evoke a sense of antiquity or scientific history.
- The alchemist sought to split the atomy, believing it held the secret to eternal life. (An archaic reference to early atomic theory.)
Variants and Related Words
- Atom (n): the modern term for the basic unit of a chemical element.
- An atom is composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons. (The contemporary scientific term.)
- Atomic (adj): relating to an atom or atoms.
- Atomic energy is a powerful source of power. (Pertaining to atoms.)
Synonyms
- Particle: a minute portion of matter.
- Mote: a tiny speck, especially of dust.
- Skeleton: the framework of bones in a body (when referring to the "skeleton" meaning).
Phrasal Verbs
- (As an archaic noun, it does not form phrasal verbs.)
Related Idioms
"a mere atomy": used to describe someone or something extremely small or thin.
- He was a mere atomy of a man, frail and weak. (An extremely thin or small person.)
"to reduce to an atomy": to make something very small or to waste away.
- The disease reduced him to an atomy, barely able to stand. (To cause extreme thinness or emaciation.)