Nearatomically

Nearatomically is an adverb used to describe phenomena, measurements, or manipulations that occur at or near the scale of individual atoms, approaching atomic dimensions but not asserting full atomic precision or control. In practice, the term signals length scales on the order of tenths of a nanometer to a few nanometers, or the resolution of techniques capable of sensing features at interatomic distances.

The term appears in physics, chemistry, and nanotechnology literature and is also used in popular science contexts. It describes imaging, fabrication, or manipulation methods that yield results close to atomic-scale accuracy while acknowledging residual uncertainty about exact atomic positions or identities. For example, a researcher might speak of nearatomically resolved images or nearatomically precise placement of atoms or molecules, indicating high but not absolute atomic-level control.

Nearatomically is not a standardized term in dictionaries and can vary in meaning across disciplines. It typically lies between broader nanoscale descriptions and language that asserts full atom-by-atom resolution. Because of its informal status, authors often define the intended meaning when first using it to avoid ambiguity about what is being claimed or measured.

See also: atomic scale, atomic resolution, nanotechnology, scanning tunneling microscopy, atomically precise fabrication.