atomization [´ad·ǝ·mǝ`zā·shǝn] ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY In flame spectrometry, conversion of a volatilized sample into free atoms. CHEMISTRY A process in which the chemical bonds in a molecule are broken to yield separated (free) atoms. MECHANICAL ENGINEERING The mechanical subdivision of a bulk liquid or meltable solid, such as certain metals, to produce drops, which vary in diameter depending on the process from under 10 to over 1000 micrometers. |