atomic clock

noun

: a precision clock that depends for its operation on an electrical oscillator regulated by the natural vibration frequencies of an atomic system (such as a beam of cesium atoms)

Examples of atomic clock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Since the first atomic clock was built in 1949, this process has only gotten more sophisticated. Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 11 Sep. 2024 Causing energy jumps in a nucleus requires a much higher frequency signal than is required for atomic clocks. Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 10 Sep. 2024 Doing so required an ultraviolet laser, instead of the usual infrared light used for atomic clocks. Michael Irving, New Atlas, 5 Sep. 2024 Networks of atomic clocks around the planet then sync their systems by this measurement to provide extremely precise coordination for internet communications, mapping, space launches, among many other uses. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for atomic clock 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'atomic clock.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of atomic clock was in 1924

Dictionary Entries Near atomic clock

Cite this Entry

“Atomic clock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atomic%20clock. Accessed 26 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

atomic clock

noun
: an extremely exact clock that depends for its operation on the natural vibrations of atoms (as of cesium)

More from Merriam-Webster on atomic clock

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