Subatomic

/ˌsʌbəˈtɒmɪk/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Relating to or smaller than an atom.
The physicist studied the subatomic particles to understand the fundamental structure of matter.
Describing interactions or phenomena that occur at scales smaller than atoms.
Quantum mechanics deals with the behavior of subatomic particles.
Involving processes that are relevant at the level of atoms and their constituents.
The research focused on subatomic interactions that lead to nuclear fusion.
Characterized by fundamental forces and particles that shape the universe.
Subatomic discoveries have revolutionized our understanding of the universe's early moments.

Etymology

From the prefix 'sub-' meaning below or less than and 'atomic' from 'atom', indicating a scale smaller than an atom.

Common Phrases and Expressions

subatomic particle
A particle smaller than an atom.
subatomic physics
The branch of physics that deals with subatomic particles.
subatomic level
Referring to a scale that is smaller than atoms.

Related Words

atom
The basic unit of a chemical element.
particle
A minute portion of matter.
quantum
The smallest amount of energy that can be transmitted.

Slang Meanings

Referring to something extremely small or insignificant.
His concerns about the deadline were so subatomic, they didn’t even matter.
Used to describe something that can't be understood due to its complexity.
The instructions were subatomic; I couldn’t make heads or tails of them.