: consisting of two atoms : having two atoms in the molecule
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebPairs of oxygen atoms rapidly combine to form the stable diatomic oxygen, which exits with carbon monoxide. Max G. Levy, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 July 2020
Word History
Etymology
International Scientific Vocabulary
First Known Use
circa 1859, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
diatomic
adjective
di·atom·ic ˌdī-ə-ˈtäm-ik
: consisting of two atoms : having two atoms in the molecule