Words / B2

uh-TOM-ik/əˈtɒmɪk/

Atomic means relating to atoms, or relating to nuclear weapons or energy: atomic number; atomic bomb; the atomic age. Nuclear is a close twin for weapons and power; molecular is about molecules, not atoms — trap. Atomic number featured in the periodic-table question. Mix-up: atomic vs anatomic; tonic. Do not write atomic for a classroom “huge” without atoms or nuclear policy in the source.

Meaning

Relating to atoms; also relating to nuclear weapons or energy (the atomic age).

Examples

• “Atomic number featured in the periodic-table question, not a Cold-War slogan unless the history paper asks.”
• “The atomic age featured in the history source, which is the nuclear-weapons sense.”

Good to know

atomic number / mass / bomb / energy / age. Close (weapons/power): nuclear. Trap: molecular / anatomic. Chemistry, physics, and history. Of atoms, or of nuclear weapons and energy — specify.

Near in meaning

nuclear, atom-level

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