atomize

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

atom + -ize

Pronunciation

  • (file)

Verb

atomize (third-person singular simple present atomizes, present participle atomizing, simple past and past participle atomized)

  1. (transitive) to separate or reduce into atoms
  2. (transitive) to make into a fine spray
  3. (transitive) to fragment, break into small pieces or concepts
    • 1979, Gould, Stephen J., and Richard C. Lewontin. "The Spandrels of San Marco and the Panglossian Paradigm: A Critique of the Adaptationist Programme." Proceedings of the Royal Society of London 205: p. 585:
      An organism is then atomized into 'traits' and these traits are explained as structures optimally designed by natural selection for their functions.
  4. (transitive) to bomb with nuclear weapons

Translations

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