a-t-o-m-i-c
ATOMIC relates to atoms, the fundamental units of matter, or describes something extremely small or indivisible. In word games, this scientific 6-letter word scores 10 base points with its balanced letter distribution.
10
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
ATOMIC primarily refers to anything related to atoms - the basic building blocks of all matter. In physics, atomic theory revolutionized our understanding of the universe, revealing that all substances consist of incredibly tiny particles with specific properties and behaviors.
The atomic age began with the discovery of radioactivity and nuclear fission, leading to both peaceful applications like nuclear medicine and power generation, and destructive ones like atomic weapons. The term "atomic" became culturally significant after 1945, symbolizing both human achievement and existential threat.
In computing, "atomic" operations are indivisible actions that complete entirely or not at all - crucial for database integrity and concurrent programming. This usage extends the word's meaning of "indivisible" into the digital realm, where atomic transactions prevent data corruption.
The word also appears in everyday contexts: atomic clocks provide incredibly precise time measurement using atomic vibrations, while "atomic" in design refers to breaking interfaces into smallest functional components. In chemistry, atomic weight and atomic number are fundamental properties defining elements.
For word game players, ATOMIC offers moderate scoring with good flexibility. Its common letters make it relatively easy to form, while the C and M provide slight point elevation. The word's scientific association makes it memorable and its six letters allow for various board positions.
ATOMIC derives from the Greek word "atomos" (ἄτομος), meaning "indivisible" or "uncuttable." The ancient Greek philosophers Leucippus and Democritus coined this term around 440 BCE to describe what they believed were the smallest, indivisible particles of matter.
The word combines the Greek prefix "a-" (meaning "not") with "tomos" (meaning "cutting" or "division"). This etymology reflects the ancient belief that atoms couldn't be divided further - an idea that held until the discovery of subatomic particles in the 20th century.
"Atomic" as an adjective emerged in English in the late 17th century, initially in philosophical contexts. The word gained scientific precision in the early 1800s with John Dalton's atomic theory, which gave atoms concrete chemical meaning rather than just philosophical significance.
The atomic age dramatically expanded the word's usage. Post-1945, "atomic" became associated with nuclear technology, leading to compounds like "atomic bomb," "atomic energy," and "atomic power." This shift made "atomic" one of the defining words of the 20th century.
The Atomic Age began on July 16, 1945, with the Trinity test in New Mexico - humanity's first nuclear detonation. This moment marked a fundamental shift in human capability and consciousness, introducing both tremendous potential and existential risk.
Post-war optimism envisioned atomic-powered cars, planes, and even household appliances. While these dreams largely remained unfulfilled, nuclear technology did transform medicine, archaeology, and energy production. Nuclear power now generates about 10% of global electricity.
The cultural impact was profound. "Atomic" became synonymous with modernity and power. From the Atomic Café to atomic-inspired architecture like the Space Needle, the aesthetic of the atom - electrons orbiting a nucleus - became an iconic symbol of the mid-20th century.
•ATOMIC scores 10 base points - the C (3) and M (3) tiles provide most of the value
•An atom is 99.9999999999996% empty space - if a nucleus were a marble, electrons would orbit a kilometer away
•There are approximately 7 x 10^27 atoms in the human body - that's 7 followed by 27 zeros
•The word "atom" was considered incorrect for 2,000 years after atoms were proven divisible, but the name stuck
"The atomic clock is accurate to one second in 300 million years."
"Scientists study atomic structure using powerful electron microscopes."
"The database uses atomic transactions to ensure data integrity."
"I played ATOMIC connecting to the M in ATOM for a nice score."
Total base points: 10 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 3 | Consonants: 3
Related word forms:
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