Atomic theory

Atomic theory
Atomic A*tom"ic, Atomical A*tom"ic*al, a. [Cf. F. atomique.] 1. Of or pertaining to atoms. [1913 Webster]

2. Extremely minute; tiny. [1913 Webster]

{Atomic bomb}, see {atom bomb} in the vocabulary.

{Atomic philosophy}, or {Doctrine of atoms}, a system which, assuming that atoms are endued with gravity and motion, accounted thus for the origin and formation of all things. This philosophy was first broached by Leucippus, was developed by Democritus, and afterward improved by Epicurus, and hence is sometimes denominated the Epicurean philosophy.

{Atomic theory}, or the {Doctrine of definite proportions} (Chem.), teaches that chemical combinations take place between the supposed ultimate particles or atoms of bodies, in some simple ratio, as of one to one, two to three, or some other, always expressible in whole numbers.

{Atomic weight} (Chem.), the weight of the atom of an element as compared with the weight of the atom of hydrogen, taken as a standard. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • Atomic theory — Atomic model redirects here. For the unrelated term in mathematical logic, see Atomic model (mathematical logic). This article is about the historical models of the atom. For a history of the study of how atoms combine to form molecules, see… …   Wikipedia

  • Atomic theory — Theory The o*ry, n.; pl. {Theories}. [F. th[ e]orie, L. theoria, Gr. ? a beholding, spectacle, contemplation, speculation, fr. ? a spectator, ? to see, view. See {Theater}.] 1. A doctrine, or scheme of things, which terminates in speculation or… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • atomic theory — n 1) a theory of the nature of matter: all material substances are composed of minute particles or atoms of a comparatively small number of kinds and all the atoms of the same kind are uniform in size, weight, and other properties called also… …   Medical dictionary

  • atomic theory — n. the theory that all material objects and substances are composed of atoms, and that various phenomena are explained by the properties and interactions of these atoms …   English World dictionary

  • atomic theory — 1. Physics, Chem. any of several theories describing the structure, behavior, and other properties of the atom and its component parts. 2. Philos. atomism (def. 1). [1840 50] * * * ▪ physics       ancient philosophical speculation that all things …   Universalium

  • atomic theory — noun 1. a theory of the structure of the atom • Hypernyms: ↑scientific theory • Hyponyms: ↑Bohr theory, ↑Rutherford atom • Part Holonyms: ↑nuclear physics, ↑atomic physics, ↑ …   Useful english dictionary

  • atomic theory — /əˌtɒmɪk ˈθɪəri/ (say uh.tomik thearree) noun 1. Physics, Chemistry the theory of the atom having a complex internal structure and electrical properties. 2. Physics the mathematical description of the behaviour of the electrons in the atom about… …  

  • atomic theory — n. theory explaining the structure of the atom; theory which asserts that all matter is comprised of atoms …   English contemporary dictionary

  • atomic theory — noun Date: 1814 1. a theory of the nature of matter: all material substances are composed of minute particles or atoms of a comparatively small number of kinds and all the atoms of the same kind are uniform in size, weight, and other properties 2 …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • atomic theory — noun a) The theory that all gross matter is composed of atoms. b) Any of several theories that explain the structure of the atom, and of subatomic particles …   Wiktionary

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