What does the word atom mean in Greek?

What does the word atom mean in Greek?

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

Answer: (A)

The meaning being tested is the origin of the word. An atom comes from Greek components: a- meaning “not” or “un-,” and -tomos meaning “cut” or “section.” Put together, they literally describe something that cannot be cut further—“indivisible.” This was the idea of ancient philosophers who conceived atoms as the smallest pieces of matter that could not be divided any more. Today we know atoms have smaller parts, but the name sticks from that original concept. The other options don’t fit the linguistic roots: energy isn’t connected to the term, and while atoms are tiny, the word’s root means not cut, not merely a small particle.

The meaning being tested is the origin of the word. An atom comes from Greek components: a- meaning “not” or “un-,” and -tomos meaning “cut” or “section.” Put together, they literally describe something that cannot be cut further—“indivisible.” This was the idea of ancient philosophers who conceived atoms as the smallest pieces of matter that could not be divided any more. Today we know atoms have smaller parts, but the name sticks from that original concept. The other options don’t fit the linguistic roots: energy isn’t connected to the term, and while atoms are tiny, the word’s root means not cut, not merely a small particle.