The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

atomize

IPA:

Dictionary definition of atomize

To break down or divide something into its smallest possible components or particles, often to the point of extreme fragmentation.
"The explosion caused the building to atomize into rubble."

Detailed meaning of atomize

It involves the process of reducing a substance or object into its individual atoms, molecules, or tiny constituent parts. This term can be applied to various contexts, including chemistry, where it describes the breaking of chemical compounds into their elemental components. Beyond the scientific realm, "atomize" can also be used metaphorically to signify the disintegration or fragmentation of ideas, groups, or systems into their smallest, discrete elements, often implying a loss of coherence or unity. In essence, "atomize" underscores the idea of breaking down something into its most basic and indivisible units or components, whether in a scientific or figurative sense.

Example sentences containing atomize

1. The impact of the explosion caused the building to atomize into rubble.
2. The blender's high-speed blades atomize the ingredients into a smooth puree.
3. The scientist's experiment aims to atomize the liquid into its individual particles.
4. The intense heat caused the metal to atomize into fine dust.
5. The spray nozzle atomizes the liquid into a fine mist.
6. The pressure washer atomizes water to effectively clean surfaces.

History and etymology of atomize

The verb 'atomize' derives its etymology from the noun 'atom,' which has its origins in ancient Greek philosophy. The Greek philosopher Democritus coined the term 'atomos,' meaning 'indivisible' or 'uncuttable,' to describe the smallest, indivisible units of matter that he believed made up the physical world. The prefix 'a-' in 'atom' negates the idea of divisibility. As 'atom' referred to these fundamental, unbreakable particles, 'atomize' emerged as a verb in English to describe the process of breaking something down or dividing it into its smallest possible components or particles, often to the point of extreme fragmentation. So, 'atomize' retains its connection to the original concept of indivisible units while describing the act of breaking things into their smallest parts.

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Further usage examples of atomize

1. The air compressor atomizes paint particles for an even coating.
2. The atomizer in the perfume bottle helps to atomize the fragrance into the air.
3. The volcanic eruption released gases that atomized ash into the atmosphere.
4. The process of vaporization atomizes the liquid into a gas state.
5. The aerosol can atomizes the product for easy application.
6. The ultrasonic humidifier uses vibrations to atomize water into a fine mist.
7. The spray bottle atomizes the cleaning solution for even distribution.
8. The explosion caused the bomb to atomize, leaving no trace behind.
9. The high-speed rotating disk atomizes the liquid into tiny droplets.
10. The atomizer in the pesticide sprayer ensures proper distribution of the chemicals.
11. The sound waves generated by the speaker can atomize water droplets in a mesmerizing display.
12. The airbrush atomizes paint for precision painting in artwork.
13. The high-pressure nozzle atomizes the fuel for efficient combustion in the engine.
14. The industrial atomizer is designed to atomize large quantities of liquid for various applications.