The word 'atom' means which of the following in Greek?

The word 'atom' means which of the following in Greek?

• A. Indivisible
• B. Indestructible
• C. Small particle
• D. Invisible

Answer: (A)

The question tests the origin of the word atom. Atomos comes from Greek roots a- meaning not and tomos meaning cut, so it literally means “not cut” or “uncuttable.” This reflected the ancient idea that matter is built from smallest, indivisible pieces. Modern science shows atoms can be divided into smaller particles, but the name remains from that early concept. The other ideas—describing the atom as indestructible, a tiny particle, or invisible—don’t capture the actual linguistic meaning of the word.

The question tests the origin of the word atom. Atomos comes from Greek roots a- meaning not and tomos meaning cut, so it literally means “not cut” or “uncuttable.” This reflected the ancient idea that matter is built from smallest, indivisible pieces. Modern science shows atoms can be divided into smaller particles, but the name remains from that early concept. The other ideas—describing the atom as indestructible, a tiny particle, or invisible—don’t capture the actual linguistic meaning of the word.