atom
atom — noun
1. the basic unit in chemistry that keeps the character of one element and may join
the basic unit in chemistry that keeps the character of one element and may join to other units
A hydrogen atom has only one electron around its center.
pattern: an atom of [element]
In the model, each carbon atom touched four small white balls.
collocation: carbon atom
On the screen, one atom lost an electron and became charged.
Two atoms joined inside the jar and formed a simple gas.
Ms. Lin drew a large atom on the board for class.
- particle
broader scientific word that can refer to many kinds of very small pieces
- unit
very general and does not specifically suggest chemistry
- building block
an explanatory phrase rather than a precise scientific term
文法句型
an atom of hydrogen
atoms combine to form molecules
an atom loses an electron
用法筆記
Common in chemistry and physics. Distinguish from noun/2 TINY AMOUNT, which means a very small piece or quantity. Also distinguish atom from molecule: a molecule is made from two or more atoms joined together.
常見錯誤
2. a very small piece or amount of something
a very small piece or amount of something
There was not an atom of sugar left in the tea.
not an atom of + noun
Without an atom of shame, the thief asked for more money.
without an atom of + abstract noun
The cleaner left not an atom of grease on the stove.
Mina showed not an atom of fear before the race.
After the long swim, Omar used every atom of strength to reach shore.
文法句型
an atom of dust
not an atom of pity
every atom of something
用法筆記
Usually appears with of, especially in phrases such as not an atom of, without an atom of, or every atom of. It is much less common than ordinary words like bit, speck, or trace.