at·om·ize

[at-uh-mahyz] verb, at·om·ized, at·om·iz·ing.
verb (used with object)
1.
to reduce to atoms.
2.
to reduce to fine particles or spray.
3.
to destroy (a target) by bombing, especially with an atomic bomb.
verb (used without object)
4.
to split into many sections, groups, factions, etc.; fragmentize: Critics say the group has atomized around several leaders.
Also, especially British, at·om·ise.


Origin:
1670–80; atom + -ize

at·om·i·za·tion, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source Link To atomize
00:10
Atomize is one of our favorite verbs.
So is peculate. Does it mean:
to introduce subtleties into or argue subtly about.
to steal or take dishonestly (money, esp. public funds, or property entrusted to one's care); embezzle.
Collins
World English Dictionary
atomize or atomise (ˈætəˌmaɪz) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
vb
1.  to separate or be separated into free atoms
2.  to reduce (a liquid or solid) to fine particles or spray or (of a liquid or solid) to be reduced in this way
3.  (tr) to destroy by weapons, esp nuclear weapons
 
atomise or atomise
 
vb
 
atomi'zation or atomise
 
n
 
atomi'sation or atomise
 
n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

atomize
"reduce a liquid to a very fine mist," 1865, verb formed from atom + -ize. Originally in ref. to medical treatment for injured or diseased lungs; sense of "to destroy with atomic weapons" is from 1945. Related: Atomizer (1865); atomization (1866).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
In all cases, pressure from either a pump or compressed gas or air is used to
  atomize the spray mix at the nozzle.
The compressed air is used to atomize the coating which is then directed
  towards the part to be coated.
If the pressure is too high, the asphalt may atomize and the pattern may be
  distorted.
Air-atomized spray coating uses compressed air, which maybe heated and
  filtered, to atomize the coating and to direct the spray.
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