Pronunciation: /ˈædəˌtɑm/

Definitions of adatom

noun a single atom that is chemically bonded to a surface, typically used in the study of surface reactions and catalysis

Example Sentences

A1 An adatom is a single atom adsorbed on a surface.

A2 Scientists are studying the behavior of adatoms on different materials.

B1 The presence of adatoms can significantly affect the properties of a material.

B2 Researchers have found that adatoms play a crucial role in catalytic reactions.

C1 The manipulation of adatoms at the atomic level requires advanced techniques.

C2 Understanding the interaction of adatoms with surfaces is essential for nanotechnology applications.

Examples of adatom in a Sentence

formal The adatom on the surface of the material plays a crucial role in its catalytic activity.

informal If you look closely, you can see the adatom sitting on top of the metal.

slang I accidentally knocked over the beaker and the adatom went flying everywhere.

figurative The lone adatom stood out amongst the sea of atoms, much like a unique individual in a crowd.

Grammatical Forms of adatom

past tense

adatomized

plural

adatoms

comparative

more adatom

superlative

most adatom

present tense

adatoms

future tense

will adatom

perfect tense

has adatomized

continuous tense

is adatomizing

singular

adatom

positive degree

adatom

infinitive

to adatom

gerund

adatomizing

participle

adatomized

Origin and Evolution of adatom

First Known Use: 1968 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The word 'adatom' is a combination of the prefix 'ad-' meaning 'on' or 'towards' and the word 'atom', referring to a single atom on a surface.
Evolution of the word: The term 'adatom' was first used in the field of surface science to describe individual atoms on a surface, particularly in relation to their behavior and interactions. Over time, the term has become widely used in the study of nanotechnology and materials science to refer to isolated atoms on a surface that exhibit unique properties and behaviors.