 ##  [Atom](/atom) 

  ##  [Atom](https://natural.quantumdictionary.io/atom-0) 

  

 [![Natural & Formal Sciences Dictionary](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2026-01/Natural%20%26%20Formal%20Sciences.png.webp?itok=2kCDRVQv)](/topic-specific-dictionaries/natural-formal-sciences)



**Natural &amp; Formal Sciences Dictionary**

 







 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Definition

The smallest chemically distinct unit of matter composed of a nucleus of protons and neutrons (in most atoms) surrounded by electrons and characterized by its atomic number.