Definition

Describing something that is not indivisible or cannot be broken down into smaller parts.

Example

In programming, a nonatomic operation may lead to inconsistent data if not handled properly.

Conversation

I was reading about programming languages and came across the term nonatomic operations.

Oh really? What does that mean exactly?

It refers to operations that are not atomic, meaning they can be interrupted or not completed fully in one go.

That makes sense, especially in a multi-threaded environment.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

nonatomic → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "atomic" (from Greek "atomos", meaning indivisible). The word "nonatomic" refers to something that is not indivisible or not treated as a single unit.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('non-') and 'indivisible' ('atomic') to remember that 'nonatomic' means something that is not treated as a single unit.

Visually Confused Words