Background for atoms

atoms

/ˈatəmz/

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noun

The smallest possible amount of matter which still retains its identity as a chemical element, now known to consist of a nucleus surrounded by electrons.

Examples :

"The air we breathe is made of tiny atoms like oxygen and nitrogen. "

chemistry physics science element material substance energy

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noun

(history of science) A hypothetical particle posited by Greek philosophers as an ultimate and indivisible component of matter.

Examples :

"Ancient Greek philosophers theorized that all matter was made of fundamental, indivisible particles they called "atoms." "

history philosophy science physics theory element

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noun

The smallest, indivisible constituent part or unit of something.

Examples :

"The atoms of the air are constantly moving around us. "

physics chemistry element science structure part unit

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noun

In logical atomism, a fundamental fact that cannot be further broken down.

Examples :

"According to logical atomism, the simplest observation – "the cat is on the mat" – can be seen as being built from more basic, unbreakable atoms of fact about the cat and the mat and their relationship. "

philosophy logic theory

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noun

The smallest medieval unit of time, equal to fifteen ninety-fourths of a second.

Examples :

""In medieval music notation, the composer indicated a very short pause of only a few atoms, barely perceptible to the listener." "

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noun

A mote of dust in a sunbeam.

Examples :

"The sunlight streaming through the window revealed countless atoms of dust dancing in the air. "

physics substance material element

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noun

A very small amount; a whit.

Examples :

"He doesn't care two atoms about what others think. "

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noun

(Lisp) An individual number or symbol, as opposed to a list; a scalar value.

Examples :

"In Lisp programming, `5`, `x`, and `hello` are all considered atoms, while `(1 2 3)` is a list. "

computing technical language logic

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noun

A non-zero member of a Boolean algebra that is not a union of any other elements. Or, a non-zero member of a Boolean lattice that has only zero below it.

Examples :

"In a Venn diagram, an atom is depicted as an area circumscribed by lines but not cut by any line."

math logic philosophy science

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noun

An element of a set that is not itself a set; an urelement.

Examples :

"In database management, we treat individual student names as atoms because we don't break them down further into smaller sets of data. "

element math theory science logic

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noun

(usually capitalised as "Atom") A member of an age group division in hockey for ten- to 11-year-olds.

Examples :

"My son, a speedy skater, is excited to try out for the Atom hockey team this year. "

age sport group