ETYM Cf. French atomicité.
Degree of atomic attraction; equivalence; valence; also (a later use) the number of atoms in an elementary molecule. See Valence.
Number of atoms of an element that combine together to form a molecule. A molecule of oxygen (O2) has atomicity 2; sulfur (S8) has atomicity 8.

(Alternate spelling: atomisation).
1. Annihilation by reducing something to atoms; SYN. atomisation.
2. Separating something into fine particles; SYN. atomisation, fragmentation.

ETYM Cf. French atomisme.
1. The doctrine of atoms.
2. Belief that the universe consists of small indivisible particles.
3. Theory of atoms.

Device that produces a spray of fine droplets of liquid. A vertical tube connected with a horizontal tube dips into a bottle of liquid, and at one end of the horizontal tube is a nozzle, at the other a rubber bulb. When the bulb is squeezed, air rushes over the top of the vertical tube and out through the nozzle. Following Bernoulli's principle, the pressure at the top of the vertical tube is reduced, allowing the liquid to rise. The air stream picks up the liquid, breaks it up into tiny drops, and carries it out of the nozzle as a spray. Scent spray, paint spray guns, and carburetors all use the principle of the atomizer.A dispenser that turns a liquid (such as perfume) into a fine spray; SYN. atomiser, spray, sprayer.

Alternate (chiefly British) spelling of atomize.

(Alternate spelling: atomise).
1. To break up into small particles; of liquids or solids.
2. To spray very finely.

(Alternate spelling: atomise).
1. To break up into small particles; of liquids or solids.
2. To spray very finely.