adj
subatomic
suh-buh-TO-mihk
Subatomic (adj) means Smaller than an atom, or relating to the particles — like protons, neutrons, and electrons — that make up an atom. Example: “Physicists study subatomic particles to understand what matter is really made of.”
adj
1
Smaller than an atom, or relating to the particles — like protons, neutrons, and electrons — that make up an atom.
"The electron microscope is able to resolve detail at the subatomic level."
"Physicists study subatomic particles to understand what matter is really made of."
"The collider smashes protons together to reveal subatomic structure."
How to use subatomic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes anything at a scale smaller than a whole atom.
Common pairings
subatomic particle
subatomic physics
subatomic level
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Physicists study _____ particles to understand what matter is really made of.
Etymology
Built from sub- ("below, under") plus atomic — literally "smaller than the atom."
Rhymes for subatomic
See all rhymes for subatomic →Frequently asked questions
What does “subatomic” mean?
The word “subatomic” means smaller than an atom, or relating to the particles — like protons, neutrons, and electrons — that make up an atom. In plain terms, describes anything at a scale smaller than a whole atom.
How do you pronounce “subatomic”?
“Subatomic” is pronounced suh-buh-TO-mihk (/ˌsʌbəˈtɑːmɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “subatomic” in a sentence?
Here is “subatomic” used in a sentence: “Physicists study subatomic particles to understand what matter is really made of.”
What part of speech is “subatomic”?
“Subatomic” is an adjective.
