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Noun: atomic theory  u'tó-mik 'thee-u-ree
  1. A theory of the structure of the atom
    "Bohr's atomic theory introduced the concept of electron orbits"
     
  2. (chemistry) any theory in which all matter is composed of tiny discrete finite indivisible indestructible particles
    "the ancient Greek philosophers Democritus and Epicurus held atomic theories of the universe";
    - atomism, atomist theory, atomistic theory

Derived forms: atomic theories

Type of: scientific theory, theory

Antonym: holism

Part of: nuclear physics, nucleonics

Encyclopedia: Atomic theory