Atom
/ˈæt.əm/noun
The smallest unit of a chemical element, consisting of a nucleus surrounded by electrons.
Did you know?The term 'atom' comes from the ancient Greek philosophy of Democritus, who believed that atoms were the fundamental building blocks of reality, uncut and eternal.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἄτομος (atomos)
“Uncut, indivisible; referring to the smallest particles of matter.”
1st Century BC
Latin
atomus
“A term borrowed from Greek, describing the smallest indivisible unit.”
17th Century
English
atom
“Adopted into English, referring to the smallest unit of a chemical element.”
Modern English
English
atom
“Used in scientific contexts to denote the basic unit of matter.”