ˈætəm n. 1 a
the smallest
particle of a
chemical element that can
take part in a chemical
reaction. b
this particle as a
source of
nuclear energy. 2 (usu.
with neg.) the
least portion of a
thing or
quality (not an atom of pity). øatom
bomb a bomb involving the
release of energy by nuclear
fission = fission bomb. atom-smasher colloq. =
ACCELERATOR 2. [ME f. OF atome f. L atomus f. Gk atomos indivisible]