the theory that all matter is made up of fundamental particles called atoms. the concept of an atom as being composed of subatomic particles. See also: Briefing Room
A model that offers a logical explanation for the law of multiple proportions and the law of constant composition by stating that all elements are composed of atoms, all atoms of a given element are identical, but the atoms of one element differ from the atoms of any other element; that atoms of different elements can combine to form compounds and a chemical reaction involves a change not in the atoms themselves, but in the way atoms are combined to form compounds.
a theory of the structure of the atom
(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"
the theory that all matter is composed of atoms with a positive nucleus surrounded by negative electrons; atoms may combine to form molecules base a type of compound that, when dissolved in water, produces a solution with a pH higher than 7.
An explanation of chemical properties and processes that assumes that tiny particles called atoms are the ultimate building blocks of matter.
In chemistry and physics, atomic theory is a theory of the nature of matter, which states that matter is composed of discrete units called atoms, as opposed to antiquated beliefs that matter could be divided into any arbitrarily small quantity.