'atomise' originates from Modern French, specifically the word 'atomiser', ultimately from New Latin 'atomizare', where the element 'atom-' referred to 'indivisible' (from Greek 'atomos').

'atomise' changed from French 'atomiser' (17th century) and from New Latin 'atomizare', which in turn derived from Ancient Greek 'atomos' ( 'indivisible'). The term entered English in the 17th century as 'atomise/atomize'.

Initially related to the Greek idea of 'indivisible' (an indivisible particle), it came to mean 'to reduce to very small particles or a spray' and now commonly denotes converting something into fine droplets or fragments.